Director of Operations

1st Shift | Kalamazoo, MI | Full-Time

About Schupan

We have been building sustainable material solutions since 1968. At Schupan, you will find a people-first culture, opportunities to grow, and competitive pay — all while being part of a team working toward a more resourceful future.

Our Core Values

• Integrity
• Compassion
• Empowerment
• Sustainability

What You Will Achieve

The Director of Operations is a dynamic leader, relationship builder, mentor, and coach who drives daily operations across Safety, Operational Excellence, Customer Experience, and Profitability — the core pillars of our manufacturing organization — while building an engaged, accountable team culture. This leader is the daily drum beat of continuous improvement through formal problem solving and mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and communicates the strategic direction of company operations and implements operations-related policies, practices, standards, and security measures to assure effective and consistent support and execution.
• Aligns internal quality benchmarks with those of strategic customers to ensure mutual standards are met.
• Directs daily operations across the Davis Creek, Toledo, and Dayton facilities, with primary oversight based at Davis Creek.
• Mentors and coaches direct reports and emerging leaders, building bench strength and supporting long-term career development across the operations team.
• Identifies, recommends, and implements new processes, technologies, and systems to improve and streamline organizational processes and use of resources and materials.
• Builds strong, trust-based relationships across departments, customers, and all levels of the organization to drive alignment and results.
• Establishes clear expectations, provides regular feedback, and recognizes achievements, fostering accountability among team members and improving productivity and quality standards.
• Monitors and manages budgets, financial performance, and operational metrics to achieve and exceed business objectives.
• Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains management-level staff; provides performance evaluations and handles discipline and termination needs.
• Handles complex or difficult situations as directed.
• Travels by air, train, or car based on the most efficient and effective mode of travel to accomplish goals and objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business or an industry-relevant field
• 10+ years' experience leading an operations team
• Proven leader with a demonstrated track record of operational improvement and successfully leading large, cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated Lean and Continuous Improvement mindset applied throughout all areas of responsibility
• Knowledge of production processes, quality control, and techniques for maximizing effective manufacturing
• Ability to speak in front of large groups, including supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates
• Ability to influence others to perform their jobs effectively and to be responsible for making decisions
• Ability to mentor, motivate, direct, and evaluate the work of others
• Strong active listening skills
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong informal influence — able to drive alignment, build buy-in, and achieve results across departments without relying on direct authority

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Routinely required to stand and walk; use hands to handle and feel; reach with arms and hands; as well as climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Specific vision requirements include depth perception and the ability to adjust focus
• Must be able to wear all necessary safety equipment
• Routinely works in a noisy (company-provided hearing protection required) and non-temperature-controlled environment
• Routinely works in an environment with gas-powered/other forklifts and machinery

Benefits

• Weekly pay
• 16+ days of PTO within your first year
• 401(k) with match starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage effective the 1st of the month after hire
• HSA with company contribution up to $1500, FSA, and wellness premium discount
• Company-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, parental leave, and tuition reimbursement
• Pet insurance, profit-sharing, ERN, and more

Schedule

Full-Time, 1st Shift; primary oversight based at Davis Creek with regular travel to Toledo and Dayton facilities