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Job Description
]Director of Operations (Confidential Search)
Location:
Southeastern United States Compensation:
Competitive Base Salary + Performance Incentives + Comprehensive Benefits About the Opportunity We are conducting a confidential search for a Director of Operations on behalf of a privately held organization serving technical and industrial markets throughout North America. The company has an established reputation, a loyal customer base, and a strong history of operational performance. As the business continues to grow, leadership is seeking an experienced operator who can drive execution, strengthen accountability, develop leaders, and improve organizational performance across multiple functions. This individual will serve as the senior operational leader responsible for translating strategic objectives into measurable business outcomes while ensuring operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and scalable growth. The Role The Director of Operations will oversee the daily execution of the business and lead a team of functional managers responsible for operations, supply chain, customer support, quality, safety, and administrative processes. This role requires a leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, create alignment across departments, and build systems that improve efficiency, accountability, and profitability. Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Excellence Lead and coordinate day-to-day business operations across multiple functional areas. Establish operational priorities, performance metrics, and accountability systems. Identify constraints and inefficiencies and implement sustainable improvements. Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase productivity and operational effectiveness. Ensure resources, processes, and teams are aligned to support company objectives. Financial Performance Partner with executive leadership to achieve revenue, margin, and profitability targets. Monitor operational performance against established goals and KPIs. Support budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning activities. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs. Leadership & Talent Development Lead, mentor, and develop a team of department leaders. Build a culture centered on ownership, accountability, communication, and continuous improvement. Support recruiting, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives. Establish clear expectations and performance standards across the organization. Customer & Business Support Ensure operational capabilities support customer commitments and growth initiatives. Partner with commercial leadership to align resources with business objectives. Support the resolution of complex customer issues and drive long-term solutions. Maintain a customer-focused mindset throughout the organization. Safety, Quality & Compliance Champion a culture focused on safety, quality, and operational discipline. Ensure adherence to applicable regulatory, customer, and internal standards. Support ongoing process improvement and risk management initiatives. Drive operational consistency and process standardization across the organization. Systems & Process Improvement Utilize business systems and operational data to improve decision-making. Develop reporting structures that provide visibility into performance and opportunities. Implement scalable processes that support future growth. Lead organizational change initiatives and operational transformation efforts. Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is a proven operator who has successfully led teams in complex operational environments and is comfortable navigating both strategic and tactical challenges. Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience. 7+ years of progressive operations leadership experience. Demonstrated success leading multiple departments within an industrial, manufacturing, distribution, or technical services environment. Strong financial and business acumen with experience managing budgets, performance metrics, and operational outcomes. Track record of improving processes, building teams, and driving measurable results. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Experience utilizing ERP systems and operational reporting tools. Preferred MBA or advanced business degree. Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement training. Experience in highly regulated, technical, engineered-product, or industrial environments. What Success Looks Like Within the first year, the Director of Operations will: Improve organizational accountability and execution. Establish meaningful operational metrics and reporting. Drive measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction. Develop leadership capability throughout the organization. Implement scalable systems and processes that support continued growth. Create stronger alignment between strategic goals and operational execution. Why Consider This Opportunity This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact within an established organization that values operational excellence, leadership, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will have direct visibility with executive leadership and the ability to influence both day-to-day execution and long-term business performance.