Workplace: On-site at Primary Manufacturing Facility
Location: Great Lakes Area
Company: Confidential – Mid-Sized Industrial Manufacturer
The Director of Operations & Supply Chain provides strategic and operational leadership for manufacturing and supply chain activities across the Americas region. This role is responsible for end-to-end operations, including owned and contract manufacturing, procurement, supply chain planning (MRP), logistics, quality, and Health, Safety & Environmental (HS&E) performance.
This leader will combine strong operational execution with hands-on leadership, actively engaging with teams to solve problems, improve processes, and drive performance. A critical focus of the role is to establish, standardize, and strengthen MRP (Material Requirements Planning) processes and systems to improve planning accuracy, inventory management, and service levels.
The right candidate will have a demonstrated ability to run day-to-day operations at a high level while simultaneously leading meaningful, sustainable process improvements across a complex, multi-site and contract manufacturing network.
Additional Information
- Residency & Relocation: This role requires the Director to be based at our primary facility in the Great Lakes area. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.
- Confidentiality: This is a Company Confidential search. Specific company details and site locations will be disclosed to qualified candidates during the initial interview phase.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership: Provide oversight for regional manufacturing and supply chain performance; own KPIs related to cost, service, quality, delivery, and safety.
- MRP & Process Discipline: Lead the optimization and ongoing governance of MRP systems; establish standardized planning policies to improve inventory management and data integrity.
- Continuous Improvement: Embed a culture of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies; identify and execute initiatives to reduce waste and improve throughput.
- Manufacturing Strategy: Lead the design and optimization of the regional footprint, including make-versus-buy analysis and capacity planning.
- Partner Management: Oversee relationships with third-party contract manufacturing partners to ensure adherence to quality and delivery standards.
- Supply Chain & Logistics: Manage procurement, S&OP, and regional logistics; optimize working capital and mitigate supply chain risk.
- People Leadership: Build and develop a high-performing operations organization; foster a culture of ownership and accountability.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or Business. (MBA preferred)
- Experience: 15+ years of progressive leadership experience within manufacturing and supply chain.
- Technical Expertise: Demonstrated success leading MRP/ERP optimization efforts.
- Operational Scope: Proven experience managing multi-site operations and contract manufacturing networks.
- Methodology: Strong background in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement frameworks.
- Leadership Style: A track record of hands-on leadership with a willingness to engage directly in problem-solving and execution.
Preferred Experience
- Global manufacturing environment
- Industrial footprint optimization (expansions, consolidations, closures)
- Advanced S&OP and integrated business planning processes
We're an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
