Director of Operations

Smiths Group•Melrose Park, IL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

DRC Heat Transfer is seeking a Director of Operations to join its leadership team in Melrose Park, Illinois. DRC designs and manufactures custom heat-transfer and cooling solutions for industrial, transit, energy, and data-center power-generation markets. The company is a subsidiary of Smiths Group PLC. This newly created leadership role is responsible for the strategic vision of manufacturing and aligning manufacturing operations with company and customer expectations in a rapidly growing, multi-site Engineer-to-Order/Make-to-Order environment. The Director of Operations has full P&L responsibility for manufacturing operations and leads manufacturing performance, continuous improvement, production planning, facility and capacity expansion, equipment investment, and workforce planning. The role oversees the master production schedule and works across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Customer Service to meet operational and financial objectives. It also develops organizational capability and promotes a culture of safety, accountability, engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning. The position requires travel between local manufacturing facilities. The Director must follow company policies, regulatory requirements, industry standards, and manufacturing safety practices, including applicable PPE requirements. DRC is committed to equal employment opportunity and an inclusive workplace.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Operations Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
At least 7–10 years of progressive manufacturing operations leadership experience, including strategic oversight of multi-site operations in an ETO and/or MTO manufacturing environment.
Proven experience in a high-growth manufacturing environment supporting sustained annual growth of 25%–40% or greater across multiple facilities and production shifts.
Demonstrated success leading manufacturing organizations through rapid growth, operational scaling, process optimization, and organizational development.
Extensive experience managing multiple production facilities, diverse product portfolios, and complex manufacturing schedules.
Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, operational excellence, and change management.
Experience with P&L management, capital planning, capacity expansion, workforce planning, and strategic business execution.
Demonstrated ability to develop high-performing teams, build leadership pipelines, and drive accountability across organizational levels.
Strong leadership, interpersonal communication, coaching, and employee-development abilities.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decisions.
Self-motivated, results-oriented, and able to work independently while fostering collaboration.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; ability and willingness to travel between local manufacturing facilities.
Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment and comply with required PPE standards, including safety glasses and steel-toe footwear.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Experience leading teams through organizational growth, operational change, and continuous improvement initiatives is highly desirable.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Lead manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives, driving team performance, accountability, and operational excellence.
Maintain full P&L responsibility and accountability for manufacturing operations, achieving financial and operational objectives.
Help establish and execute short- and long-term manufacturing strategies, including facility expansion, equipment investments, and workforce planning.
Oversee the master production schedule to support on-time delivery, customer satisfaction, and efficient resource utilization.
Align production activities to optimize labor utilization, productivity, and operational efficiency in a low-volume, high-mix environment.
Implement and sustain effective manufacturing processes, systems, and operational practices.
Make timely, data-driven operational decisions, including during machine downtime and production disruptions.
Promote Lean Manufacturing, 6S, and continuous improvement to reduce waste, improve quality, and lower costs.
Develop organizational capability through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and advancement of high-potential employees.
Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Customer Service to meet business objectives and improve operational performance.
Foster collaboration, accountability, engagement, safety, and continuous learning throughout the organization.
Ensure work is performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company policies, regulations, and industry standards.
Travel between local manufacturing facilities to provide operational oversight, leadership, and support.
Promote DRC's core values and protect its culture through positive leadership, collaboration, and professional conduct.
Maintain confidentiality, information security, integrity, and ethical conduct in company matters.
Support a safe, clean, and organized workplace; follow safety and equipment operating procedures; and report incidents, hazards, injuries, and near misses promptly.
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.