Director of Operations

Orbus Inc•Woodinville, WA

27d•$140,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

CREO Industrial Arts is a custom fabricator that has been producing high-end architectural products for over 40 years. We execute the vision of the world’s finest architects, experiential graphics designers, landscape architects, and exhibit designers, producing extremely high fit and finish custom products for a wide variety of venues. From the smallest, most detailed piece to large, multi-story structures, CREO does it all. Every project is different, but what they all have in common is the sophistication of the design and the industry’s highest standard of quality. The Director of Operations is responsible for leading and integrating all core operational functions of the business, including technical design, project management, and production. This role ensures seamless coordination from concept through delivery, driving efficiency, quality, and profitability across custom manufacturing projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field
Minimum 5 years of operations management experience, including leadership roles
Strong understanding of business operations, financial management, and strategic planning
Proven ability to lead teams and manage cross-functional initiatives
Excellent problem solving, analytical, and decision making skills
Strong communication and leadership abilities

Nice To Haves

Industry experience in architectural/environmental graphics, exhibits and other custom fabrication.

Responsibilities

Oversee, direct, and manage the Operational Management team in both environmental graphics and exhibits divisions.
Create individual goals and conduct regular performance reviews for each direct report.
Provide strategic and operational leadership across all core business functions related to technical design, project management, manufacturing, and production execution.
Oversee end-to-end operations throughout project lifecycles, including daily shop and production operations, scheduling, workflow planning, staffing, maintenance coordination, quality control, capacity planning, and resource allocation.
Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, processes, and performance objectives aligned with company goals, growth initiatives, and customer expectations.
Lead and align cross-functional teams including Technical Design, Project Management, Production, and related operational departments to ensure efficient communication, accountability, collaboration, and project execution.
Monitor and analyze operational performance through KPIs, project tracking systems, production metrics, quality standards, margin analysis, and budget oversight to identify risks, improve efficiency, and support informed business decisions.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all operational areas through Lean manufacturing principles, process optimization, productivity programs, workflow improvements, and operational scalability efforts.
Collaborate closely with executive leadership and the President on operational strategy, forecasting, organizational planning, capital investments, business growth initiatives, and annual budgeting processes.
Ensure compliance with all environmental, health and safety, quality, and operational regulations, policies, and industry standards while maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.
Evaluate operational challenges, identify risks and bottlenecks, and implement proactive solutions to improve production performance, cost control, throughput, and overall operational effectiveness.
Lead, mentor, coach, and develop managers and teams across operational departments, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
Support hiring, workforce planning, organizational structure development, performance management, and employee development initiatives in partnership with leadership and HR.
Prepare and deliver regular operational and production reporting to executive leadership, including KPI performance, project status, operational risks, production output, and improvement initiatives.
Partner with internal stakeholders to support new business opportunities, operational planning, product development initiatives, and successful project execution across the organization.