Director of Operations - Chemistry Plant and Distribution Center

Job Duties

• Provide leadership and development to the team, creating an engaging environment with clear responsibilities, defined goals, and visibility to weekly progress reporting.
• Collaborate in a matrix organization.
• Partner with Sales and S&OP on demand and production planning to ensure upcoming needs are planned, capacity-aligned, and executed effectively.
• Ensure products are shipped on time, accurately, and complete.
• Maintain awareness of equipment changes, additions, and modifications impacting chemistry plant, lab, or distribution center operations.
• Responsible for the annual operating budget, including capital expenditures; directs preparation of cost control reports, cost estimates, manpower, and facility forecasts.

Manufacturing, Lab & Distribution Center Operations

• Direct chemistry manufacturing operations to produce products at the lowest cost consistent with established specifications for quality and quantity.
• Provide leadership oversight for the onsite chemistry laboratory, ensuring timely and accurate quality control testing, documentation, as well as product development and release.
• Support new product introductions and formulation changes through close collaboration with Quality and R&D.
• Oversee distribution center operations, including inventory control, shipping, and receiving.
• Establish and maintain inventory controls and ensure inventory accuracy and turn targets are achieved.
• Synchronize manufacturing, lab, and distribution center activities with production plans and customer commitments.

Process Improvement

• Transform the culture to one of Continuous Improvement and Accountability.
• Develop, recommend, and support lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.
• Formulate and install standard manufacturing and operational practices based on comparative studies of methods, costs, and production data.
• Identify and develop process improvement champions to continuously review and improve efficiencies and processes.

Procurement and Quality

• Work with procurement to review supplier quality reports and ensure suppliers meet company standards.
• Create and support a sustainable supply chain with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Participate as a member of the Quality Assurance Team to ensure quality metrics, controls, and countermeasures are implemented and maintained.
• Ensure lab results, production quality, and corrective actions are properly documented and communicated.

Management and Communication

• Lead managers and supervisors on the floor; be a visible leader, set goals, and instill a sense of urgency.
• Recruit, retain, and train qualified associates.
• Communicate through shift start-up meetings, special events, and regular town halls so teams remain aligned on goals, progress, and successes.
• Maintain employee training programs and oversee implementation.
• Establish and maintain constructive dialogue with associates.
• Recommend and validate wage and staffing adjustments.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Business, Chemistry, or other related discipline.
• Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years successfully leading a manufacturing operation, preferably in a regulated environment.
• Experience with quality systems and laboratory-supported manufacturing is preferred.
• Experience overseeing inventory, shipping, and receiving operations preferred.
• Experience in low-volume / high-mix manufacturing a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership and people development experience.
• Ability to implement lean manufacturing practices.