Director of Operations-Plastics Manufacturing at Supersede Director of Operations-Plastics Manufacturing at Supersede in BRISTOL, Indiana Posted in 2 days ago.

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full-time Position Summary The Operations Director is responsible for leading and scaling manufacturing operations across Supersede's plastic sheet extrusion, profile extrusion, recycling, and related manufacturing processes. This role oversees production, quality, maintenance, safety, materials management, process optimization, and team leadership to ensure operational excellence while supporting Supersede's mission of replacing outdated, unsustainable building materials with high-performance recycled alternatives. The Operations Director will drive continuous improvement, manufacturing efficiency, profitability, and team development in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. This leader must balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution while fostering a culture rooted in innovation, accountability, collaboration, sustainability, and safety. This role is critical to ensuring Supersede continues to deliver durable, sustainable products that reduce waste, support a circular economy, and redefine the future of building materials. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations across all processes. Develop and execute operational strategies that support facility and company growth, customer demand, quality standards, and profitability goals. Drive production planning and scheduling to maximize throughput, equipment utilization, labor efficiency, and on-time delivery. Manage and drive performance against all facility and corporate KPIs related to safety, productivity, scrap reduction, quality, downtime, labor efficiency, inventory control, and customer satisfaction. Build scalable manufacturing systems and processes to support future expansion and new production lines. Partner with executive leadership to align operational priorities with company objectives and growth strategies. Manufacturing & Process Improvement Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies. Optimize handling processes to improve throughput, reduce waste, and increase operational efficiency. Collaborate with Engineering and R D teams to support new product launches, process development, and material innovation. Help identify, support, and help implement of any automation opportunities and process improvements to improve productivity, quality, safety, and operational performance. Ensure manufacturing practices support sustainability initiatives and circular economy objectives. Team Leadership & Development Lead, mentor, and develop supervisors, leads, technicians, and production personnel. Foster a high-performance, team-first culture focused on accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Build organizational capability through training, coaching, performance management, and succession planning. Promote open communication and employee engagement across all operational teams. Support recruiting and retention strategies to attract and retain top manufacturing talent. Quality & Compliance Ensure all products meet internal quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory specifications. Partner with quality teams to investigate root causes and implement corrective actions. Maintain compliance with all safety, environmental, and operational regulations. Champion a culture where safety, quality, and operational discipline are non-negotiable. Maintenance & Equipment Reliability Oversee preventative maintenance programs to maximize uptime and equipment reliability. Support capital equipment planning, installation, commissioning, and operational readiness. Work closely with maintenance and engineering teams to minimize downtime and improve equipment performance. Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination Partner with procurement, warehouse, and supply chain teams to ensure material availability and inventory accuracy. Monitor raw material usage and operational costs to support financial objectives. Support vendor relationships and operational purchasing decisions where applicable. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered. 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience in plastics manufacturing, sheet extrusion, profile extrusion, or related industrial environments. Proven experience managing high-volume production operations and cross-functional manufacturing teams. Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, quality systems, and production metrics. Experience with plastics processing, material flow, automation, and manufacturing equipment. Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams in fast-paced manufacturing environments. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and leadership abilities. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and production management tools. Preferred Experience in recycled plastics, sustainable manufacturing, or circular economy operations. Experience in sheet extrusion and/or profile extrusion manufacturing. Six Sigma certification or Lean Manufacturing certification. Startup or high-growth manufacturing experience and scaling operations. Experience launching new production facilities or significantly expanding manufacturing capacity. Core Competencies Operational Excellence Excellent Vertical Communication Strategic Leadership Continuous Improvement Team Development Accountability Innovation & Adaptability Problem Solving Safety Leadership Collaboration & Communication Sustainability Mindset Working Environment Manufacturing and production facility environment. Frequent interaction with production equipment, warehouse operations, and engineering teams. Ability to stand and walk production floors for extended periods. Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. May require occasional travel between facilities and possibly customer locations. Success Metrics Achievement of production and delivery targets. Reduction in scrap, downtime, and improved operational inefficiencies. Improvement in safety performance and quality metrics. Employee engagement, retention, and team development. Successful implementation of operational scalability initiatives. Contribution to sustainability and recycling performance goals. Achievement of facility and corporate KPI objectives. About Supersede Supersede is building the future of sustainable materials by creating high-performance alternatives to traditional plywood and wood-based products. Through innovation, advanced manufacturing, and circular economy principles, Supersede transforms recycled plastic waste into durable, fully recyclable building materials designed to outperform conventional solutions. Supersede values innovation, teamwork, speed, accountability, sustainability, and bold thinking. Team members are empowered to challenge outdated systems, move quickly, and create meaningful environmental impact through advanced manufacturing and material science. Equal Opportunity Statement Supersede is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to fostering a workplace built on respect, collaboration, innovation, and opportunity