What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Operations position at Hitchiner Manufacturing?
Hitchiner Manufacturing is seeking a Director of Operations who will provide strategic and hands‑on leadership across daily operations. This role is ideal for a strong manufacturing leader who excels at driving execution, elevating performance, and ensuring operational readiness while supporting the General Manager in long‑term planning, cross‑functional alignment, and organizational development.
The Director of Operations will oversee key production areas, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure that safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are consistently met. This is a high‑visibility role with significant influence, designed for a leader who thrives in a complex, high‑precision environment and is ready to step into broader responsibility over time.
What You’ll Do…
Operational Leadership
- Oversee day‑to‑day operations across assigned production areas, ensuring alignment with plant goals and customer requirements.
- Serve as the Plant Manager’s primary partner in executing operational strategy and driving performance across the facility.
- Act as the operational lead when the Plant Manager is unavailable, ensuring continuity and stability.
Throughput, Flow, and Performance
- Identify constraints and drive improvements in throughput, flow, and productivity.
- Reduce scrap, rework, and variability through disciplined process control and data‑driven decision‑making.
- Support the development and execution of capacity plans, staffing models, and production schedules.
Continuous Improvement & Lean Leadership
- Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and problem‑solving methodologies across the plant.
- Lead kaizen events, root‑cause investigations, and cross‑functional improvement initiatives.
- Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement at all levels.
Safety & Quality
- Reinforce a “Safety First” culture and ensure compliance with all regulatory and internal standards.
- Partner with Quality and Engineering to strengthen process capability and prevent defects at the source.
Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, engineers, and frontline leaders.
- Support succession planning and talent development in partnership with the Plant Manager.
- Foster a collaborative, high‑engagement environment.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Quality to ensure operational readiness and smooth product flow.
- Support capital planning, equipment upgrades, and long‑term operational strategy.
Who You Are…
- 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience; metals, foundry, or investment casting preferred.
- Demonstrated success improving throughput, reducing scrap, and strengthening operational discipline.
- Experience in regulated industries such as aerospace or automotive (ISO 9001, AS9100, NADCAP, IATF).
- Strong Lean/Six Sigma background; Green Belt or Black Belt preferred.
- Proven ability to lead teams, influence cross‑functional groups, and drive change.
- Hands‑on, floor‑focused leadership style with strong communication and coaching skills.