Director of Operations, Thermal Engineered Materials

About the company

Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we deliver products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before. With over 60 manufacturing facilities and a global workforce of over 9,000 experienced professionals—including insulation and filtration experts—Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.

About the role

The Operations Director directly manages a group of manufacturing facilities within a business unit and reports directly to the Senior Director of Operations. This position drives financial performance, operational excellence, and strategic growth across the business unit, including potential involvement in due diligence for mergers and acquisitions and the integration of acquired companies. The role also identifies and develops strategies for plant consolidations, supply chain optimization, inventory control, and capacity increases.

Responsibilities

• Drive EBITDA growth at each plant and for the business unit as a whole.
• Manage costs within the business unit and at each plant.
• Develop strategies to increase overall capacity and throughput.
• Develop Plant Managers and other leaders within the business unit for future growth.
• Optimize working capital within the business unit.
• Drive On-Time In-Full (OTIF) delivery to world-class levels to enhance the customer experience.
• Improve quality levels to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Optimize the use of capital expenditures to support the company’s mission.
• Analyze financial performance, including P&L, ROI, EBITDA, and capital management.
• Set vision and strategy for Plant Managers, ensuring alignment and execution.
• Integrate newly acquired companies into the Business Unit to maximize value.
• Evaluate potential acquisition targets for operational and financial robustness.
• Build and lead a highly engaged, performance-driven organization.
• Drive Lean operating principles, safety culture, and continuous improvement across all facilities.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure Alkegen operating standards are met.
• Develop relationships to enable effective coaching and team development.
• Stay updated on industry trends and new technologies for implementation.
• Manage deadlines, drive execution, and maintain a bias toward action.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 10–15 years of experience in Manufacturing and Operations Management, particularly in continuous and capital-intensive operations.
• Proven track record of leading manufacturing operations successfully.
• Experience collaborating with labor unions.
• Dedication to safety and driving safety improvements.
• Involvement in supply chain, quality, safety, engineering, planning, and logistics activities.
• Practical application of Lean, Total Productive Maintenance, and/or Six Sigma tools.
• Track record of driving continuous improvement and cost savings.
• Experience prioritizing capital projects and establishing annual business plans.
• Strong financial analysis skills for operational performance.

Skills & Competencies

• Consistent role model for Alkegen’s Core Values.
• Excellent process management and change management skills.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence and network in a matrix organization.
• Highly motivated problem solver with the ability to balance priorities under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, including fluency in English at a higher level.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work across diverse cultures.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on innovation and driving new ideas.
• Ability to build and develop high-performing teams, replacing underperformers when necessary.
• Sound economic thinking and financial acumen.
• Bias toward action, execution, and meeting deadlines.