Director of Operations

Job Summary M&A Executive Search has been retained to recruit a Director of Plant Operations for a leader in the industrial equipment market. The Director of Plant Operations reports directly to the Vice President of Operations and will oversee all manufacturing activities This executive will be accountable for production, maintenance, quality, safety, and operational efficiency across fabrication, coatings, welding, assembly, and controls integration. The primary focus will be on strengthening the operational platform, driving process improvement, and supporting growth and modernization initiatives in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment. For the right candidate, this role will lead to the Vice President of Operations role in 1-2 years. Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership Directly manage plant supervisors, department leads, and front-line production teams.

Lead day-to-day operations across fabrication, machine shop, welding, coating, assembly, and controls integration. Develop and execute manpower planning to meet production schedules and backlog forecasts. Ensure production throughput targets, efficiency, and on-time delivery. Oversee maintenance programs and facility improvements to minimize downtime and maintain operational reliability.

• Safety & Quality Champion a culture of safety, ensuring compliance with OSHA, EPA, and internal safety protocols. Maintain rigorous quality control standards to meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements. Drive continuous improvement in inspection, testing, and process adherence across all plant operations.
• Lean Manufacturing & Process Improvement Lead initiatives to improve processes, reduce waste, and enhance throughput using Lean, 5S, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement methodologies. Implement digital tools, automation, and advanced workflow systems to increase productivity and reduce bottlenecks. Standardize processes and train teams to sustain operational improvements and best practices.
• People Leadership Mentor and develop plant supervisors, leads, and front-line staff to build a high-performing, accountable workforce. Foster employee engagement, promote career growth, and reduce turnover. Encourage a collaborative, results-driven culture that emphasizes accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Cross-Functional Support Collaborate with supply chain, engineering, and sales teams to align plant capacity with production demand. Support operational planning, scheduling, and execution to meet business objectives. Oversee preventive maintenance programs and ensure timely completion to maintain equipment reliability.
• Strategic Vision Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute a roadmap for operational excellence, automation, and modernization.

Benchmark Milnor's operations against industry leaders and implement best practices to drive efficiency, quality, and scalability. Align plant initiatives with corporate goals, including profitability, growth, customer satisfaction, and long-term sustainability. Key Attributes Hands-on leader with a practical and proactive approach to operational challenges. Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality, efficiency, and process excellence. Dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and motivated workforce. Results-driven with a focus on achieving operational goals and exceeding performance targets. Adaptable and forward-thinking, able to drive initiatives that support modernization, automation, and continuous improvement.

KEY COMPETENCIES

The following are key competencies required for the role: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing Leadership - Experience leading operations in organizations that manufacture industrial machinery involving some or all of metal fabrication, welding, coatings, assembly, and controls integration. Operational Execution - Demonstrated ability to oversee day-to-day plant operations, including production scheduling, resource allocation, workflow management, and minimizing downtime—while meeting output, cost, and delivery goals. Proven ability to partner with engineering, supply chain, quality, and leadership teams to align plant operations with business needs, manage budgets, control costs, and use KPIs to track and improve performance. Process Optimization - Experience driving process improvement in a high-mix, low-volume environment across fabrication, welding, coatings, assembly, and related operations using Lean, Kaizen, OEE, 5S, and data-driven methodologies to reduce waste and improve productivity. Workforce Development & Team Performance - Proven track record of building and leading high-performing plant teams—hiring, training, developing supervisors and hourly staff, managing performance, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and engagement. Safety, Quality, Compliance & Maintenance - Experience owning safety culture, enforcing regulatory compliance (OSHA/EPA), and upholding strict quality standards in manufacturing environments—while ensuring effective equipment maintenance and facility reliability. ERP-Driven Operational Optimization - Ability to drive operational optimization through the effective use and implementation of ERP systems—such as Oracle or similar—supporting production planning, scheduling, inventory management, labor tracking, cost control, and KPI reporting. Demonstrated ability to leverage ERP tools to improve accuracy, visibility, decision-making, and plant execution.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $190,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Experience:

Plant Operations Leadership:

10 years (Preferred)

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing Leadership:

5 years (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person