What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Operations position at Exalta Group?
Director of Plant Operations
Location: Marquette, Michigan
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO) Integrated OEM Solutions
Role Overview
The Director of Plant Operations is accountable for the end-to-end performance of the manufacturing site, including safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and employee engagement. This role provides strategic and hands-on leadership across production, planning, purchasing, and facilities, ensuring operational excellence in a regulated manufacturing environment.
As a senior operations leader at EXALTA, the Director of Plant Operations partners cross-functionally and across sites to execute enterprise initiatives, support growth, and drive continuous improvement—while maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance, and patient safety.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Performance
- Own site performance across Safety, Quality, Service, Cost, and Inventory metrics.
- Lead Manufacturing, Purchasing, Production Planning, Facilities, and Maintenance functions.
- Ensure production output aligns with customer demand, regulatory requirements, and quality standards.
- Serve as the Operations representative for assigned franchise, product family, or customer portfolio.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Drive Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and employee-led improvement initiatives.
- Improve throughput, OEE, inventory turns, and cost structure through disciplined execution.
- Implement standard work, visual management, and daily management systems.
People & Culture Leadership
- Build, develop, and lead a high-performing leadership team and workforce.
- Create a culture of accountability, engagement, ownership, and continuous improvement.
- Hold leaders and employees accountable to EXALTA’s values and performance expectations.
Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Champion a proactive safety culture with a goal of zero incidents.
- Ensure compliance with all Federal, State, Local, and environmental regulations.
- Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure products meet all internal and external requirements.
Strategic & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Support revenue growth through close alignment with Sales, Marketing, and Program Management.
- Partner with Global Supply Chain to ensure material availability at the lowest total cost.
- Lead cross-functional, cross-site initiatives that strengthen operational capability and enterprise performance.
- Translate EXALTA’s strategic priorities into executable site-level plans.
Capital & Financial Stewardship
- Lead capital planning and equipment utilization to support growth, efficiency, and safety.
- Manage operating budgets and deliver cost discipline aligned to business objectives.
Core Competencies
- Manufacturing & Operational Leadership
- Lean / Continuous Improvement
- Strategic Execution & Results Orientation
- People Development & Engagement
- Quality, Safety & Compliance Focus
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field required; Master’s preferred.
- 10–15 years of manufacturing experience with 7–10 years in progressive leadership roles.
- Experience in regulated manufacturing environments is strongly preferred.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
- Light physical work, including occasional lifting up to 20 lbs.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) required in manufacturing areas.
- Office-based with significant presence on the manufacturing floor.