Director of Operations

Primary Functions

The Director of Operations is responsible for leading production departments and manufacturing processes for all operations at Horton Emergency Vehicles facility in Grove City, OH. The Director is accountable for setting strategic direction in operations to deliver the highest quality product while maximizing company profit in line with Horton’s mission and vision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Directly leads and supervises a manufacturing team of Production Managers/Production Supervisors and hourly employees in all manufacturing processes in the business unit.
• Participates in company goal setting, deployment and strategic planning activities, typically detailing 1st level improvement initiatives and targets to improve.
• Sets strategic direction for the plant/facility in accordance with business goals and objectives.
• Leads project activities and directs, coaches, and employees on project execution to deliver results.
• Plans and monitors the day-to-day running of business operations.
• Prioritizes and manages the workflow within all departments to ensure timely and efficient task completion in accordance with the production schedule.
• Responsible for all manufacturing overhead and direct labor costs in the P&L related to production, maintenance, and others.
• Determines area budget goals for personnel, equipment, supplies and other cost elements to assure ongoing company profitability.
• Accountable for the implementation and sustainment of lean initiatives within areas of responsibility. Must be a change agent and ambassador for continuous improvement.
• Acts as the Safety Champion ensuring all Health and Safety programs and standards are met in the facility. Promotes a safety culture plus supports safety and environmental compliance and improvement activities.
• Communicates and interfaces with other senior leaders driving effective liaisons with other departments such as Materials, Engineering, Sales Administration, Product Management. Provides technical expertise for problem resolution and drives root cause and corrective actions.
• Buils and mentors direct and indirect reports and identifies staff development/training needs.
• Regularly evaluates the efficiency of business procedures according to organizational objectives and applies improvements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Proven track record of developing and leading high performing teams with a focus on change management.
• Strong understanding and experience in the application of lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, with demonstrated team building and conflict resolution ability.
• Ability to think, act, and excel in high pressure, chaotic, or ambiguous situations.
• Thorough understanding of practices, theories, and policies involved in business and finance.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, ERP/MRP (Mapics ideal), and other related software.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and drive for results.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, Master’s degree preferred.
• 5 + years of related experience in a custom manufacturing environment, specialty vehicle experience preferred.
• 7+ years in Supervisory or Leadership capacity.
• Led and applied lean principals experience preferred.

Physical Demands

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand or walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee frequently is required to walk.
• The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit and talk or hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40#’s.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Able to read and follow written and verbal instructions.

Work Environment

• Indoor office
• Frequently on the plant floor
• Personal protective equipment recommended and/or required: Safety glasses, or prescription safety glasses with side shields
• Ear plugs
• Close-toed shoes required on plant floor