Director, Operations

At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world’s toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been a trusted partner for military personnel, first responders, outdoor adventurers, and innovators who push the limits. With a global presence that includes 11 offices, 4 manufacturing facilities, and 4 custom case centers, we create high-performance protective solutions that ensure our customers can focus on what matters most.

About the role

Pelican is seeking a dynamic Senior Director of Operations to lead manufacturing operations at our South Deerfield facility. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for driving performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, and People (SQDCIP) while building an engaged, accountable, and high-performing organization. We're looking for a manufacturing leader who knows how to transform operations—not simply maintain them. You'll lead a complex plastics manufacturing environment, leverage Lean and data to improve performance, develop the next generation of leaders, and help create a state-of-the-art operation positioned for long-term growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations and drive performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, and People
• Build a culture of Operational Excellence, accountability, employee engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the facility
• Champion Lean Daily Management through Gemba, tier meetings, Hour-by-Hour boards, Layered Process Audits, visual management, and cascading KPIs
• Drive a world-class 6S and safety culture, proactively identifying risks and implementing improvements in equipment, tooling, ergonomics, processes, and employee behaviors
• Lead production teams to consistently achieve customer, quality, cost, productivity, and delivery commitments
• Use data and analytics to identify performance gaps, solve problems at the root cause, and turn insights into measurable action
• Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and New Product Development to successfully introduce new products and support profitable growth
• Drive innovative manufacturing solutions including poka-yoke, visual controls, digital work instructions, process controls, and other technologies that improve quality and execution
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that increase throughput, reduce waste and cost, improve inventory performance, and strengthen manufacturing capability
• Optimize manufacturing inventory systems and ensure effective material flow, inventory accuracy, and appropriate stocking levels
• Own Operations budgets, proactively manage variances, and execute capital plans that support performance and long-term growth
• Develop and execute strategies that improve the facility, employee experience, and Pelican's ability to attract and retain top manufacturing talent
• Build a strong leadership pipeline by identifying, coaching, developing, and rewarding high performers while proactively addressing performance gaps
• Create a culture that continually raises the bar for leadership, execution, and operational performance
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience
• 15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
• Significant experience within plastic injection molding; rotational molding and machining experience are highly desirable
• Proven success leading and transforming complex manufacturing operations
• Strong command of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping, structured root cause analysis, and continuous improvement
• Demonstrated experience establishing Lean Daily Management systems, including tier meetings, visual management, Layered Process Audits, and SQDCIP metrics
• Proven ability to improve safety, quality, productivity, delivery, inventory, and cost performance
• Strong operational and financial acumen, including budgeting, capital planning, inventory management, and manufacturing cost management
• Experience with SAP, MRP, MES, BOMs, routings, and manufacturing standards
• Knowledge of demand forecasting, supply planning, capacity, and inventory management within a complex manufacturing environment
• Strong change leadership skills with the ability to create urgency, challenge the status quo, and sustain improvements
• Track record of building high-performing teams and developing strong manufacturing leaders
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence across Operations and corporate functions

Benefits

• Competitive paid time off plans, holiday pay, and extra vacation purchase opportunities
• 401k plan with immediate match
• Great benefits including several health insurance options and pet insurance
• Health Savings Account contribution
• Wellness Discount Program
• Global Mental Wellness Program
• Quarterly Employee Celebration Days
• Peer-to-Peer Recognition Program
• Service Recognition Program
• Amazing employee discount program on Pelican Products, Pelican branded apparel, and gear
• Employee referral program—get paid to work with your trusted network
• Onsite gym

Pay

The annual U.S. pay range for this position varies by work location and may depend on your qualifications, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process.