Director of Operations

Overview:

Dakota Granite is seeking a passionate, experienced, and detail-oriented Director of Operations to join our strong team. Looking for an individual with a growth mindset that has a proven ability to help scale an organization. An extensive background in Manufacturing is required. Offering a competitive total compensation package. An ideal candidate will be highly proactive and involved in working both “on” and "in” the business. First and foremost, we are looking for a Core Value fit.

Our Core Values:

Team Player, Empowered Optimism, Passion for Excellence, Problem Solver, Tenacity to Deliver

Qualifications:

• 5 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including multi-site responsibility.
• 5 years of plant/facility leadership experience
• Proven track record of leading large, cross-functional manufacturing teams
• Experience managing plant budgets, cost control, and operational performance
• Background leading factory startups, expansions, and optimization initiatives.
• Deep expertise in custom/engineered-to-order manufacturing environments
• Strong background in capacity planning, automation, and operational excellence methodologies (i.e. Lean, Six Sigma, or similar).
• Demonstrated success deploying advanced manufacturing techniques and driving measurable productivity gains
• Experience managing large-scale capital projects and complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Adept use and application of technology
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Bachelor’s degree in relatable field

Core Roles & Responsibilities

Lead, Manage, & Accountability (LMA)

• Gains mastery of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and equip teams with applying EOS
• Provide strategic and clear direction for a wide range of Operational Leaders
• Provide the necessary tools to Direct Reports: resources, training, technology, time and attention
• Keeps expectations clear on both sides with attention to the company’s top priorities
• Balances daily operations and long-term goals

Remove Obstacles & Barriers

• Conduct Regular 1:1s to understand challenges, provide support, and keep priorities clear
• Facilitates effective meetings focused on solving issues and finding opportunities
• Helps teams find true root issues and make decisions to continually move forward
• Identifies and reduces roadblocks that prevent teams from meeting goals
• Escalates major issues when needed and ensures follow-through

Ensure Operational Efficiency

• Improve production flow, quality, safety, and on-time delivery across all locations
• Identify and remove bottlenecks that slow down production.
• Maximizes utilization of labor, equipment, materials, and technology
• Tracks & applies data to drive future actions
• Lead continuous improvement efforts that reduce waste and improve performance
• Establish, monitor and maintain operating KPI’s including, but not limited to, labor and overhead variances
• Utilize Epicor Kinetic ERP and MRP to find and increase efficiencies and improve data transparency/reporting

Set Management Priorities

• Set clear priorities for operational leaders and teams.
• Keep teams focused on the most critical company goals.
• Balance daily production needs with long-term improvement projects.
• Make sure leaders understand expectations, ownership, and deadlines.
• Follow up consistently to ensure progress and accountability.

Craft and Maintain Company Policy

• Help create and maintain clear company policies, processes, and procedures
• Support in organizational effort toward Followed by All (FBA) on company processes
• Work with Leadership and HR to improve safety, accountability, and performance standards
• Review and update policies as the business grows and changes
• Support practical, easy-to-follow SOPs across operations

Oversee Employee Development

• Help employees grow personally and professionally.
• Coach and develop supervisors, managers, and future leaders.
• Support training plans that help employees succeed in their roles.
• Build a positive, accountable work environment.
• Help improve employee retention through strong leadership and clear expectations.

We are seeking candidates who are willing to relocate to the Milbank, SD area.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Lean manufacturing: 5 years (Preferred)
• Plant/Facility Leadership: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person