Director of Operations

Mercantile Development, Inc. (MDI) is a leading, independent converter of nonwoven wiping products with a commitment to operational excellence and customer-driven service for over 75 years. We are a successful, family-owned and operated WBENC-certified Women’s Business Enterprise. Our Pro-Series® professional grade wiping products are manufactured at our 140,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility in Shelton, Connecticut under an ISO 9001:2015 certified Quality Management System and sold worldwide for use in a broad range of workplace applications. MDI is always looking for talented people with a passion for quality, a mind for creative solutions, and a commitment to collaborating with team members to achieve business goals and build working relationships with integrity.

At MDI, we value innovation, collaboration, accuracy, and integrity. We are proud to foster a workplace culture that encourages creative problem-solving, continuous improvement, and strong team relationships.

The Director of Operations drives performance across MDI’s manufacturing operations, leading production, maintenance, quality, safety, and continuous improvement. This strategic, hands-on role ensures operational goals are met through smart planning, budget control, and cross-functional collaboration. Success hinges on building a strong team culture, developing talent, and delivering results that support company-wide growth. The ideal candidate is nimble, receptive to feedback, and exercises sound judgment in fast-paced, evolving situations.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Excellence
• Direct daily operations across Production, Maintenance, Facility Planning, Building Maintenance, and Shipping & Receiving with a focus on consistency, efficiency, and accountability.
• Ensure production schedules are met, resources are used effectively, and quality standards are upheld.
• Maintain and improve facility and equipment performance, proactively resolving issues to minimize downtime and support long-term reliability.
Strategic Leadership & Planning
• Translate company goals into clear operational strategies, KPIs, and execution plans.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Finance to align operations with business objectives.
• Manage budgets and resources to support operational efficiency and business growth.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Identify and implement process improvements to boost productivity, reduce waste, and support scalability.
• Lead capital projects from concept through installation, including vendor selection and negotiation.
• Apply practical problem-solving and sound judgment to streamline operations and drive sustainable growth.
Compliance & Safety
• Ensure full compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards, including ISO 9001:2015.
• Stay ahead of regulatory changes and sustainability initiatives, integrating them into operations.
Team Development & Culture
• Set clear expectations, hold team members accountable, and ensure consistent execution.
• Provide direct feedback, support professional growth, and address performance issues decisively.
• Build a culture of adaptability, sound judgment, and ownership—where people are expected to learn, improve, and contribute meaningfully.
Special Projects
• Drive cross-functional initiatives and strategic projects as assigned by the President.
Soft Skills & Leadership Attributes
• Strong communicator and collaborator across all levels of the organization
• Nimble and adaptable in fast-paced, evolving environments
• Open to feedback and committed to continuous learning and improvement
• Exercises sound judgment and decision-making under pressure
• Empathetic leader with a focus on integrity and accountability
• Skilled in conflict resolution, team motivation, and change management
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving
• Passionate about mentoring and developing others
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, or related field
• 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proven ability to lead with agility, respond to feedback constructively, and make thoughtful decisions
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain dynamics, Lean principles, and continuous improvement programs
• Experience in project management, including capital planning and asset upgrades
• Familiarity with ISO 9001:2015 Certification
• Proficiency with ERP systems and production planning tools, Epicor preferred
Benefits
• Paid medical coverage for the employee
• Life insurance
• Voluntary vision coverage
• Paid vacation and holiday time
• Profit sharing plan
• Bonus eligibility
• On-site fitness facility free to employees
Physical Requirements
• On-site presence required at the manufacturing facility
• Occasional travel to suppliers, customers, tradeshows, and other industry events
• Exposure to manufacturing floor conditions (noise, machinery, PPE required)
• Position requires constant sitting, standing, and walking for an 8 hour shift
• Must be able to move with ease around manufacturing equipment