Director of Operations

JOB TITLE: Director of Operations

POSITION TYPE: Full-Time, Exempt

REPORTS TO: Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (COO)

LOCATION: East Longmeadow, MA (On-site)

ABOUT EXCEL DRYER

For over 60 years, Excel Dryer has been revolutionizing commercial hand hygiene solutions from our Massachusetts headquarters. We're not just another manufacturer; we're the family-owned company that invented the high-speed hand dryer category and transformed an entire industry.

In 1997, Excel Dryer faced a stark reality: people hated using hand dryers. They were slow, ineffective, and frustrating. Rather than accept the status quo, we partnered with MIT scientists to redefine what "dry" actually means and created the XLERATOR®, the first hand dryer to dry hands completely in 8-10 seconds. Today, the XLERATOR is the #1 selling and specified hand dryer globally.

We manufacture every product at our LEED Gold-certified facility, sourcing components locally whenever possible. Our commitment to American manufacturing isn't just philosophy, it's our competitive advantage.

Excel Dryer is certified as a Great Place to Work (2 consecutive years) and ranked #40 on Fast Company's Top 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Operations leads Excel Dryer’s manufacturing and warehouse operations, driving operational excellence across production, quality, safety, and continuous improvement. This role is the operational backbone of the company’s LEED Gold-certified U.S. manufacturing facility — responsible for developing and executing strategies that ensure efficient, safe, and scalable production of world-class commercial hand hygiene products.

This is a senior leadership role requiring both strategic thinking and deep hands-on expertise in a high-performance manufacturing environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field required
• Advanced degree or professional certifications (e.g., Lean/Six Sigma, APICS/CPIM) preferred

EXPERIENCE

• 10 years of progressive manufacturing operations experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven track record leading production, quality, and warehouse functions in a complex manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated success with process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with electromechanical assembly, specialty finishing (e.g., powder coat, plating), or precision manufacturing a plus

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong expertise in MRP/ERP systems, production planning, inventory control, and operational analytics
• Proven ability to set and achieve KPIs, drive accountability, and report performance to senior leadership
• Exceptional leadership skills — experience developing managers, supervisors, and frontline teams
• Working knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and applicable environmental and workplace safety regulations
• Highly collaborative with cross-functional partners across finance, engineering, and commercial teams
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on, fast-paced manufacturing environment with competing priorities

PHYSICAL / TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work regularly on the plant and warehouse floor
• Occasional local and industry travel as business needs require

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

OPERATIONS LEADERSHIP & PRODUCTION EXCELLENCE

• Lead all manufacturing and warehouse operations to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality production across all product lines
• Establish and maintain manufacturing capacity to meet demand — including staffing strategy, scheduling, and resource allocation across departments
• Set production goals, performance standards, and KPIs; monitor results and hold teams accountable
• Partner with the Senior Director of Engineering/R&D on plant studies, process improvements, new product introductions, and corrective actions

QUALITY & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

• Champion a culture of quality and continuous improvement across all production and warehouse functions
• Drive ongoing analysis and implementation of operational improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and elevate product quality
• Leverage input from operators, staff, and customers as a source of feedback and innovation
• Ensure all quality system procedures are consistently maintained and enforced

SAFETY, SECURITY & COMPLIANCE

• Lead the company’s plant safety program with a zero-incident mindset and a culture of personal accountability at every level
• Oversee Safety Committee activities, including regular inspections, policy development, and emergency preparedness
• Maintain full compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all applicable federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations
• Develop, communicate, and enforce safety and security policies and procedures across all plant and warehouse areas

INVENTORY & SUPPLY CHAIN

• Oversee warehouse and materials management, including receiving accuracy, incoming quality verification, and inventory integrity
• Partner with the Materials Manager to build and develop a best-in-class warehouse operation
• Ensure proper inventory tracking, labeling, and disposition of defective or non-conforming materials

TEAM DEVELOPMENT & ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team of managers, supervisors, and production personnel
• Drive a culture of engagement, accountability, and professional growth through coaching, performance management, and formal development programs
• Conduct performance reviews and compensation recommendations in alignment with established guidelines
• Maintain transparent, open communication with all levels of the plant and warehouse organization

BUDGET & STRATEGIC PLANNING

• Collaborate with the President, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Senior Director of Engineering/R&D on annual budgeting, capital planning, and strategic operational priorities
• Develop forecasts for material costs, labor, overhead, and capital expenditures
• Identify and advance strategic operational improvements on a rolling 12–18-month horizon
• Manage preventive and corrective maintenance programs for the facility, equipment, and grounds

MISCELLANEOUS

• Represent Excel Dryer in local community and industry activities
• Perform additional duties and lead special projects as directed by the President and/or COO

WHAT WE OFFER

COMPENSATION & INCENTIVES

• Salary Range: $140,000 - $170,000, commensurate with experience
• Performance-based variable compensation with up to 20% of base salary (15% of base salary for achievement of personal SMART goals and 5% of base salary on the Company achieving its annual sales goal)
• Participation in company success as we continue our growth trajectory

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements
• Professional development budget for conferences, training, and executive coaching
• Modern, LEED Gold-certified office environment in the Springfield, MA area
• Relocation assistance available for the right candidate

CULTURE & GROWTH

• Join a Great Place to Work-certified company ranked among Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators
• American manufacturing success story with a 60 year track record
• Mission-driven team passionate about sustainability, quality, and continuous improvement

OUR VALUES IN ACTION

At Excel Dryer, we don't just talk about values—we live them:

Innovation: We invented the high-speed hand dryer category and continue to push boundaries with products like XLERATORsync. We want sales leaders who think creatively and challenge conventional approaches.

Made in USA Pride: We're committed to American manufacturing when it would be easier (and cheaper) to outsource. We want people who appreciate craftsmanship and quality.

Sustainability: Our products help facilities reduce their carbon footprint by up to 94%. We want team members who believe business can be a force for environmental good.

Customer Obsession: We don't just sell hand dryers; we solve problems for facility managers, architects, and sustainability leaders. We want people who listen first and sell second.

Transparency: We were the first in our industry to publish Environmental Product Declarations and Health Product Declarations. We want straight shooters who lead with honesty.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Excel Dryer is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.