What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Operations position at HMS Products?
At HMS, you’ll be part of a tight-knit, growing team with a reputation for engineering excellence and reliability. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a highly respected Michigan automation company as it expands its reach across North America. The Director of Operations will play a pivotal role in transforming HMS’s operations to meet the demands of the next decade of innovation and growth.
Position Summary:
The Director of Operations will provide hands-on leadership and strategic direction across all operational areas — including engineering, manufacturing, assembly, project management, supply chain, and field service. This individual will be instrumental in scaling HMS from 55 employees to 75 , ensuring operational systems, people, and processes can support continued growth. The Director will oversee daily operations, drive performance improvement initiatives, and collaborate closely with senior leadership to ensure that HMS continues to deliver world-class automation systems safely, efficiently, and profitably.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership
- Oversee daily operations across engineering, manufacturing, assembly, and field service functions.
- Establish operational goals, KPIs, and accountability systems to ensure alignment with company objectives.
- Partner with the President and executive team on long-term planning, capacity management, and capital investment.
- Maintain a customer-first focus — ensuring systems are built to spec, on time, and on budget.
Scaling & Process Improvement
- Develop and implement scalable processes to support planned growth over the next several years.
- Introduce and standardize Lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Evaluate workflow, space utilization, and resource planning to enhance throughput and reduce waste.
- Leverage ERP/MRP tools and data to streamline scheduling, purchasing, and project tracking.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop department managers and team leads in engineering, manufacturing, and service.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and collaboration across all levels.
- Build organizational capacity — ensuring the right leadership structure and training are in place as HMS grows.
Project & Financial Management
- Support project teams in developing accurate timelines, budgets, and resource allocations.
- Monitor job cost performance, identifying and addressing variances proactively.
- Collaborate with finance to forecast labor and material requirements in alignment with company objectives.
Customer & Supplier Relations
- Strengthen relationships with key customers and suppliers to ensure high performance and reliability.
- Oversee supplier evaluation and sourcing strategies to maintain quality while managing cost and lead time.
- Support the sales and applications teams with operational input on project feasibility and timing.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Management, or Business Administration (Master’s preferred).
- 10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, ideally within automation, machine building, or custom equipment for automotive or metal-forming industries.
- Proven experience leading cross-functional operations in a project-based, custom-engineered environment.
- Strong understanding of mechanical design, controls integration, machining, and assembly processes.
- Demonstrated ability to scale operations, develop processes, and lead organizational change.
- Skilled in Lean / Six Sigma and continuous improvement principles.
- Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, operational KPIs, and cost management.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary with performance-based bonuses
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development and training opportunities
About HMS ProductsHMS Products engineers, manufactures, installs, and services custom automation solutions for the sheet metal stamping industry across North America. For more than 40 years, we’ve partnered with leading automotive and industrial manufacturers to design and deliver innovative, high-performance automation systems that improve safety, productivity, and efficiency. As we enter our next phase of growth, we’re scaling our operations to meet increasing demand while maintaining the craftsmanship, technical excellence, and customer focus that define HMS
Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $85,000 - $100,000