Director of Operations, Thermal Engineered Materials

Alkegen•Sebring, CT

13d

About The Position

The Director of Operations directly manages a group of manufacturing facilities within a business unit and reports to the Senior Director of Operations. The role is accountable for financial and operational performance across the business unit, including EBITDA, costs, working capital, capacity, throughput, OTIF, quality, and capital expenditures. It may also support merger and acquisition due diligence and integration, as well as strategies for plant consolidations, supply chain optimization, inventory control, and capacity increases. The Director sets strategic direction for Plant Managers and site leadership teams, aligns teams around business objectives, manages budgets and P&L, and balances immediate needs with long-term growth. The role builds partnerships across a matrixed organization, supports innovation, and develops a high-performing organization through recruiting, coaching, mentoring, and talent development. The position is based at an assigned location and involves travel of up to 50% to support manufacturing sites and business initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a related field.
10–15 years of related experience in manufacturing and operations management, particularly in continuous and capital-intensive operations.
A history of successfully leading manufacturing operations.
Experience collaborating with labor unions.
A track record of dedication to safety and driving or supporting safety improvements.
Involvement in supply chain, quality, safety, engineering, planning, and logistics activities.
Experience applying Lean, Total Productive Maintenance, and/or Six Sigma tools.
A track record of driving continuous improvement and cost-savings results.
Experience prioritizing capital projects and establishing an annual business plan.
Experience conducting financial analysis of operational performance.
Ability and willingness to travel up to 50%.
Strong English communication skills.
Excellent process-management and change-management skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities and solve problems under pressure.
Influencing, networking, communication, and relationship-building skills to work across a matrix organization and with customers and vendors.
Sound economic thinking and financial acumen.

Nice To Haves

MBA.
Experience leading operations across multiple manufacturing facilities or a business unit.
Experience with mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence and integration.

Responsibilities

Drive EBITDA at each plant and across the business unit while managing costs and P&L performance.
Develop strategies to increase business-unit capacity and throughput and optimize working capital.
Improve OTIF and quality performance to support customer satisfaction.
Optimize capital expenditures across the manufacturing network and support the company’s overall mission.
Participate in due diligence for mergers and acquisitions and integrate acquired companies.
Develop strategies for plant consolidations, supply chain optimization, inventory control, and capacity increases.
Analyze business decisions using financial and operational information to support profitability and sustainable growth.
Manage budgets, P&L, capital investments, ROI, EBITDA, cost controls, and operational results.
Establish and communicate strategic direction to Plant Managers and site leadership teams and ensure effective execution of business strategies.
Evaluate potential acquisition targets for operational effectiveness and financial viability.
Build internal and external partnerships and collaborate across a matrixed organization and global teams.
Lead innovation initiatives and translate ideas into actionable business results.
Recruit, develop, coach, mentor, and retain talent across the business unit.
Promote a results-oriented performance culture and address performance gaps when necessary.
Drive Lean operating principles and continuous improvement across facilities.
Ensure capital equipment is maintained and operable, and conduct regular plant audits for compliance with Alkegen operating standards.
Promote a culture of safety and maintain a focus on service levels and customer satisfaction.
Stay informed about industry trends and technologies that may be suitable for implementation.
Prioritize capital projects and establish an annual business plan.
Travel to support multiple manufacturing sites, business initiatives, and leadership activities, up to 50%.