The Operations Director is responsible for leading all U.S.-based manufacturing, supply chain, and operational excellence initiatives within the explosion-proof lighting industry. This role oversees assembly operations, quality, supply chain, logistics, planning, procurement, and supplier development across the U.S., Asia, and Mexico. The position ensures reliable, compliant, and cost-effective operations while strengthening supply chain resilience and supporting the company's growth.

Manufacturing Operations

Lead U.S. manufacturing activities: assembly, testing, build readiness, and production coordination.
Design and standardize production workflows, material flow, and assembly processes.
Drive DFM improvements, engineering change implementation, and new product industrialization.
Ensure new product launch readiness (tooling, documentation, materials, test capability).
Support capacity planning, factory audits, and long-term U.S. production capability growth.

Operational Excellence & Systems

Implement Lean / Six Sigma / continuous improvement to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
Improve ERP/MRP/WMS performance to strengthen planning accuracy and inventory visibility.
Create and maintain standardized SOPs across manufacturing, supply chain, and quality.
Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve speed, reliability, and cost structure.

Quality & Compliance

Ensure compliance with hazardous-location standards (UL844, Class I Div 1/2, CSA, ATEX/IECEx as applicable).
Establish inspection protocols, test standards, and incoming/outgoing QC processes.
Lead root-cause analysis and CAPA to drive continuous quality improvements.
Support certifications for new products and maintain regulatory documentation.

Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics

Own end-to-end supply chain: planning, purchasing, warehousing, fulfillment (U.S. + global).
Manage Asia-based suppliers (electronics, housings, machining, components) for performance and compliance.
Build resilience by qualifying/developing suppliers in the U.S. and Mexico.
Develop sourcing strategies to reduce risk and improve cost, lead time, and quality.
Oversee inbound/outbound logistics, customs, 3PLs, and import/export compliance.
Build KPIs/dashboards (lead time, inventory turns, material cost, supplier performance, risk).

Team Leadership

Build, mentor, and lead teams across operations, supply chain, logistics, quality, and production support.
Develop talent through coaching, performance management, and capability-building.
Foster accountability, strong communication, and a continuous improvement culture

Requirements

8-12+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, supply chain, or operations
Background in industrial equipment, electrical products, or lighting manufacturing required
Experience with hazardous-location / explosion-proof certified products strongly preferred
Strong understanding of machining, casting, electrical assembly, testing, sealing, and production processes.]
Proven ability to optimize operations for safety-critical, high-compliance manufacturing environments
Experience managing suppliers in Asia, and developing new suppliers in U.S. and Mexico is highly preferred
Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation time, floating holidays, and paid sick time, along with a 401(k) retirement plan. Employees also have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Red Sky Lighting

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Operations Director