Defense - Director, Operations

POSITION DETAILS - Director, Operations, Defense

Position Summary

The Director of Operations will oversee all aspects of the company's manufacturing operations, including production, quality control, supply chain management, and cost optimization related to the Defense segment of the business. This senior leadership position requires an individual with a proven track record in manufacturing operations, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive process improvements. The Director of Operations will be responsible for leading a team, managing daily operations, ensuring safety compliance, and working closely with other departments to meet the company's production goals and objectives

Principal Activities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations managers, supervisors, and frontline workers to ensure high levels of performance, productivity, and engagement.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that support organizational goals, enhance production capabilities, and maximize profitability.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on long-term planning, budgeting, and business growth strategies.
• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring efficient, cost-effective production processes.
• Continuously assess and improve production processes, capacity, and output to meet quality standards and delivery timelines.
• Ensure alignment between manufacturing schedules and product demand forecasts
• Enforce rigorous quality standards, ensuring that products meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Manage internal audits and implement corrective actions to maintain product integrity.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations in all manufacturing activities.
• Optimize supply chain operations, including procurement, inventory management.
• Work with purchasing, logistics, and warehouse teams to streamline materials handling and reduce production downtime.
• Implement inventory controls to reduce waste and ensure the availability of materials needed for production.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, focusing on cost reductions and operational efficiency.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives, such as waste reduction and lean manufacturing programs.
• Monitor production costs and identify opportunities for financial optimization
• Lead initiatives for process improvement and operational excellence, using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
• Introduce new technologies and systems that enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Work closely with the engineering and sales teams to ensure smooth production and the delivery of products that meet customer needs.
• Collaborate on R&D efforts to ensure that new product developments align with manufacturing capabilities and timelines

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to understand the business on an in-depth level such that the right structure and the right people have been deployed resulting in a track record of routinely delivering forecasted outcomes.
• Demonstrated leadership effectiveness (EI). Must be an effective change leader who challenges the status quo and acts with a sense of urgency to drive results. Effectively balances consistency with flexibility and willing to change ideas in the face of new information.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking with demonstrated accomplishments. Proven performance setting and exceeding customer service goals and profit targets.
• Impeccable integrity; Superior interpersonal skills; able to communicate and engage personnel at all levels of the organization.
• Self-starter
• High energy
• Innovative thinker
• Disciplined and persistent work style
• Track record of continuous improvement
• Experience effectively functioning in a matrix organization
• Keen attention-to-detail
• Citizen of the United States

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management or a related field. MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in managing fast-paced manufacturing operations, including production, logistics, and supply chain management.
• Strong background in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen).

CIRCOR is an EEO Employer of Females / Minorities / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities