Director of Operations

DeWys Manufacturing • Marne, MI

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

DeWys Metal Solutions is seeking a Director of Operations to lead day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and operational performance objectives are consistently achieved. This role acts as the operational integrator between strategic leadership and production execution, translating business priorities into disciplined operational practices that drive measurable results. The Director of Operations will champion operational excellence through lean manufacturing principles, cross-functional collaboration, workforce development, and scalable systems to support the company’s continued growth. This individual will lead a high-performing production and facilities team while fostering a culture rooted in accountability, teamwork, innovation, and Human-Centered Leadership. The role requires a visible, hands-on leader who can balance urgency with long-term thinking, support people while holding high standards, and create operational stability in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment. This position is critical in building the next chapter of DeWys Metal Solutions by strengthening operational performance while preserving the unique culture and values of the organization.

Requirements

• Proven experience in manufacturing operations, with a track record of increasing responsibilities in a sheet metal fabrication or contract manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of sheet metal fabrication processes, quality control, and safety regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and the use of manufacturing software and ERP systems.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Business, Operations Management).
• 5 or more years of experience leading in manufacturing, preferably metal fabrication; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to drive throughput and meet customer demand while maintaining safety and quality as priority.
• Servant leader who leads by example, treats every team member with respect, and creates an environment of psychological safety and accountability.
• Comfortable operating with a high degree of transparency and regular communication across functional Leadership and Executive Teams.
• Grounded, self-aware and resilient under pressure, with the humility to ask for help and the confidence to make tough calls.

Nice To Haves

• A Master's degree or MBA is a plus.
• Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement certifications are advantageous.
• Knowledge of sustainability and green manufacturing practices is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational strategies that align with the company’s strategic plan, growth objectives, and customer commitments.
• Translate organizational priorities into disciplined operational execution with clear accountability, measurable outcomes, and sustainable systems.
• Foster alignment across production, quality, maintenance, supply chain, workforce development and support functions to ensure coordinated execution and operational stability.
• Lead day-to-day manufacturing and maintenance operations with a focus on safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and profitability.
• Efficiently manage labor, production equipment, materials, floor capacity, and operational budgets to maximize throughput, efficiency, and profitability.
• Drive workforce utilization strategies that balance human centered leader design, customer demand, operational capacity, and sustainability.
• Ensure operational resources and systems are scalable to support continued organizational growth.
• Utilize operational data and reporting to improve labor efficiency, machine utilization, scheduling effectiveness, and overall operational performance.
• Partner with Quality leadership to strengthen accountability, containment processes, corrective actions, and root cause analysis efforts.
• Foster a culture where quality ownership exists at every level of the organization.
• Support customer satisfaction initiatives through operational excellence and responsiveness.
• Collaborate with production scheduling, oversee production workflow coordination, and participate in capacity planning to ensure on-time delivery performance while minimizing waste, bottlenecks, and excess inventory.
• Proactively identify operational risks, constraints, and shifting priorities to maintain production continuity and customer commitments.
• Build systems and processes that improve agility within a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.
• Champion Lean manufacturing principles, operational discipline, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with Innovation to identify opportunities for process optimization, automation, and cost reduction while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Lead operational improvement initiatives through collaboration, employee engagement, and measurable performance outcomes.
• Encourage problem-solving behaviors and accountability at all levels of the organization.
• Manage operational budgets while controlling costs and supporting long-term financial sustainability.
• Maintain accountability for operational performance and profitability.
• Ensure manufacturing operations comply with all applicable safety regulations, environmental requirements, and industry best practices.
• Reinforce a culture where safety is viewed as a core operational value and leadership responsibility.
• Maintain operational discipline through visibility on the shop floor, direct engagement with teams, and proactive issue resolution.
• Hold leaders and team members accountable to operational standards, workplace expectations, and behavioral consistency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop managers, supervisors, and operational team members while fostering a culture grounded in accountability, teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Support workforce development initiatives, training programs, succession planning, and leadership development efforts.
• Serve as a visible and engaged leader who is present on the shop floor and approachable to team members at all levels.
• Model Human-Centered Leadership behaviors through transparent communication, coaching, accountability, and respect for others.
• Be a steward of our ACCT core values.
• Develop, monitor, and communicate operational KPIs related to safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, delivery, labor utilization, and profitability.

Benefits

• Competitive comprehensive compensation and benefits package with base salary and performance bonus
• 401K with matching contributions
• Vacation
• Insurance (Health, Dental, Vision)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director