Director of Operations

Job Purpose: The Director of Operations is responsible for end to end execution of manufacturing operations, with a strong emphasis on manual assembly, Lean manufacturing, and 5S discipline. This leader will be the leader of setting up our KC manufacturing operations; designing assembly stations, production processes and procedures, scalability for future growth, and continuously improve production systems that are efficient, repeatable, and quality driven. This role requires a hands on operations leader who understands how work actually happens on the floor, how to design assembly lines, balance labor, build quality into the process, and use KPIs to drive predictable outcomes. The ideal candidate will have true hands on experience setting up, running, and improving production assembly processes. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Manufacturing & Assembly Operations Setup, lead, and optimize manual assembly operations with a focus on safety, quality, throughput, and labor efficiency Design and implement production lines optimized for: Takt time and line balance Ergonomics and operator efficiency Visual flow and minimal WIP Establish and maintain standard work for all assembly processes Build productions teams, to include assembly, customer repairs, quality assurance, and manufacturing engineering Design and build continuously improve layouts, fixtures, tooling, and workflows for production Setup and maintain test range facility, safety procedures, and daily operations Lean Manufacturing & 5S Lead deployment and sustainment of Lean manufacturing principles Setup parts flow, two bin replenishment Setup data collection for assembly and repair, for data collection and live real-time dashboard reporting Own and enforce 5S standards across operations: Visual management Workplace organization Sustainment through audits and leader standard work Responsible for driving continuous improvement through: Process improvement, daily management prioritization, and implementation. Waste identification (motion, waiting, defects, overprocessing, etc.) Kaizen events and daily improvement Root cause problem solving (A3, 5 Why, Fishbone) Quality & Built In Quality Ensure quality is designed into the process, not inspected in at the end Support and oversee quality assurance and ensure: Robust control plans Error proofing (poka yoke) where applicable Clear inspection and acceptance criteria Partner with Quality to reduce defects, rework, and escapes Lead corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and drive systemic fixes KPIs, Metrics & Performance Management Define, track, and act on operational KPIs, including but not limited to: Safety Quality (FPY, defect rates) Delivery / schedule adherence Productivity and labor efficiency Scrap and rework Build visual dashboards and operating rhythms Use data to drive decisions, prioritize improvements, and hold teams accountable Supply Chain & Production Control Manage supply chain to ensure material availability supports production plans Ensure effective use and accuracy of: Work orders Bills of Materials (BOMs) Routers / routings Improve material flow, kitting, and point of use delivery Reduce shortages, expedites, and production disruptions Manufacturing Engineering Integration Building and managing a manufacturing engineering department to support: Process development and validation Line design and capacity planning Cycle time reduction New product introductions (NPI) Ensure manufacturability, repeatability, and scalability of processes Leadership & Team Development Build, lead, and develop high performing operations teams Establish clear expectations, accountability, and ownership Coach leaders and supervisors in Lean thinking and problem solving Foster a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and respect for Other Support department colleagues as needed Complete assigned tasks and required paperwork accurately and on time Ensure regular and timely attendance to maintain workflow continuity Maintain a clean and organized work area Complete other tasks assigned by supervisor or management Adhere to all company policies and procedures What Success Looks Like (12 to18