Operations Director

Overview

We are looking for a skilled Operations Director to guide and support all aspects of manufacturing operations for New Hartford products, including overseeing operations at our Dunkirk plant.

The preferred candidate will bring strong personal leadership, helping to encourage positive cultural change within a well-established workforce. We are seeking someone who can foster transformation by using contemporary approaches to leadership, communication, quality, and cost management, while nurturing an environment of collaboration and mutual respect.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Operations: Direct and oversee all manufacturing facilities, including New Hartford and Dunkirk plants, ensuring production schedules are met and products are delivered on time. Establish performance benchmarks for quality, cost, and operational efficiency, and implement corrective actions when standards are not achieved.
• Communication: Launch a structured communication plan that includes regular department briefings to keep all employees informed about business objectives, operational changes, and upcoming opportunities. Ensure feedback mechanisms are in place for employee concerns and suggestions.
• Engineering & Facilities: Collaborate closely with Engineering to review and approve facility upgrades, equipment issues, and process improvements. Lead cross-functional teams to develop facility plans that enhance productivity and reduce operational costs, while meeting quality targets.
• Training & Development: Conduct skills assessments for all operations staff and identify gaps. Design and deliver targeted training programs for managers, supervisors, and hourly employees, including onboarding, safety procedures, Lean manufacturing methods, and leadership development workshops.
• Safety & Housekeeping: Develop and enforce safety protocols, conduct regular safety audits in conjunction with EHS, and support regular safety training sessions. Set up programs to help teams achieve zero incidents and maintain housekeeping standards through daily inspections and corrective action plans.
• Strategic & Capital Planning: Work with the General Manager on annual strategic reviews to identify capital needs, prioritize facility investments, and present detailed capital expenditure proposals to senior leadership.
• Cost Improvement: Initiate cost reduction projects by benchmarking current processes, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing Lean manufacturing principles. Track and report annual cost savings achieved through process improvements and material utilization optimization.
• Materials Management: Establish an inventory management system to monitor material levels and reduce excess inventory. Coordinate with procurement to optimize material revert and negotiate supplier contracts for favorable pricing and delivery terms.
• Cross-Functional Liaison: Schedule monthly meetings with technology, finance, sales, product management, and quality teams to share operational data and align on business objectives. Provide actionable insights and support cross-departmental initiatives for improved planning and execution.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field is required.
• Candidates must possess at least 7 years of prior operational leadership in a heavy manufacturing environment. Prior operational experience in metals manufacturing is preferred.
• Demonstrated successful leadership skills within a process manufacturing environment are essential.
• In-depth knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Theory of Constraints, Six Sigma methodologies, and Value Stream Mapping is required.
  
  

Success Factors / Competencies

• Detail-oriented: Consistently delivers accurate work and checks for errors.
• Technical knowledge: Applies expertise in process manufacturing and problem-solving.
• Strategic thinking: Plans ahead and aligns actions with company goals.
• Engagement: Actively contributes and motivates team members.
• Communication: Shares information clearly and listens well.
• Interpersonal skills: Builds strong relationships across the company.
• Organizational skills: Manages multiple priorities and keeps accurate records.
• Reliability: Maintains dependable attendance and communication.
• Self-motivated: Sets high standards and pursues goals actively.
• Performs well under pressure and meets deadlines.
  
  

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires regular walking throughout the manufacturing floor to monitor operations, interact with team members, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
  
  

Why Join Special Metals Corp

• Lead a critical function with direct impact on uptime, safety, and plant performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Maintenance, Engineering, Procurement, Quality and EHS to drive Operational improvements.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
  
  

Special Metals Cop is committed to hiring, promoting and transferring employees without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin (where a person was born), sex, age, ancestry (ethnic heritage), citizenship, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other reason prohibited by law. Decisions as to hiring, promoting or transferring employees should be based solely upon job-related qualifications.

As an equal opportunity employer, Special Metals Cop is committed to a diverse workforce. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veterans’ Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact 508-839-8004 for assistance.

To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), this position may require applicants to be U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.