Director of Operations, Powder Coating

NOTE: This position will require relocation to Virginia Beach, VA.

SJS Industrial is a veteran‑owned media blasting, industrial painting, powder coating, and light fabrication shop serving military and maritime customers in Virginia Beach, VA. The company is seeking a full‑time Director of Operations to lead the expansion of production capacity from one shift to three shifts.

Pay

Expected salary range: $100,000 – $170,000 annually. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, skills, budget constraints, and internal equity considerations.

Benefits

• 80 hours of accumulated PTO
• 7 paid federal holidays
• 2 floating holidays
• Various insurance options

Responsibilities

• Manage the Industrial Division budget, including COGS and staffing.
• Report production activities and process improvements to senior management.
• Perform production planning and scheduling to prevent loss of production time.
• Work with the Quality Control Inspector to identify and pull defective work for rework.
• Anticipate challenges and mitigate impact through regular customer meetings and proactive feedback gathering.
• Identify and target new market share opportunities with existing customers; co‑develop roadmaps, RFPs/RFQs, and proposals; negotiate deals to close new business.
• Maintain contact between the company and customers to ensure satisfaction, resolve issues, and implement new solutions.
• Collaborate with Sales Account Executives to identify and develop potential new clients via outbound calls, office visits, and networking.
• Ensure long‑term relationships with commercial and industrial clients in the Hampton Roads region needing paint, ceramic coating, and powder coating services.
• Communicate company updates to SJS employees.
• Provide strategic planning for new and existing customers and opportunities.
• Enter data into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to support duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Degree in Industrial Engineering, Industrial Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field; veterans may substitute relevant military training/education (DD 214).
• 10+ years of experience as a Production Supervisor or Industrial Production Manager overseeing a crew of 10+.
• Strong leadership background in high‑stress, production‑driven environments.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred; other safety knowledge accepted.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and support cross‑functional departments.
• Extreme attention to detail with data‑driven analysis and recommendation skills.
• Strong problem‑solving and conflict‑resolution abilities.
• ISO‑9000 experience in defect elimination, waste reduction, continuous process improvement, and efficiency preferred.
• Must pass drug test and background check.