Senior Director of Operations

About the Opportunity

Our client, a leading manufacturer of highly engineered products, is seeking a Senior Director of Operations to oversee multiple production facilities and lead all aspects of manufacturing performance. This is a critical leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence, profitability, continuous improvement, and strategic growth.

This position is best suited for a hands-on operations executive who has previously led an entire manufacturing site and is comfortable learning the business from the ground up before driving transformational change.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations across multiple facilities.
• Own site performance, including safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and financial results.
• Manage P&L responsibilities, budgets, capital expenditures, and operational KPIs.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term operational strategies aligned with company growth objectives.
• Drive lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams while fostering a culture of accountability, urgency, and engagement.
• Partner with leadership, customers, and internal stakeholders to optimize performance and support business growth.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10 years of manufacturing operations leadership experience.
• Previous experience as a full-site leader with direct P&L ownership.
• Strong background in lean manufacturing methodologies, including Kaizen, 5S, Kanban, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Proven success managing large-scale manufacturing operations, budgets, and capital projects.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; SAP experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change, drive results, and build high-performing teams.
• Experience supporting government, defense, aerospace, or similarly regulated industries is highly desirable.

Preferred Traits

• Hands-on leadership style with a willingness to be deeply involved in daily operations.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Sense of urgency and accountability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a passion for operational excellence.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Executive-level role with significant influence on company performance and growth.
• Opportunity to lead a large, complex manufacturing operation that serves as a key hub within the organization.
• High visibility with senior leadership and direct impact on strategic decision-making.
• Strong platform for driving operational transformation and long-term business success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance