Director of Operations

Solberg Company LLC • Howard, WI

18d • $150,000 - $180,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Operations serves as a key member of the business leadership team and is responsible for leading all manufacturing operations within the facility. This position provides strategic and operational oversight for Production, Process Engineering, Manufacturing Excellence, Quality Execution, Maintenance Coordination, Production Planning Execution, and Continuous Improvement activities. The Director of Operations plays a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective manufacturing operations. This position is accountable for achieving production goals, optimizing manufacturing processes, improving operational performance, and developing a high-performing workforce while supporting customer satisfaction and business growth. Extensive exposure to manufacturing strategies, operational excellence, workforce leadership, and cross-functional decision-making. As a leadership role within the business, the Director of Operations is intended to serve as a developmental pathway toward broader leadership responsibilities. Including a large amount of business strategy, financial management, operational leadership, and cross-functional decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Management, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience within manufacturing operations.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing, batch processing, or process manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading manufacturing teams and operational improvement initiatives.
• Experience working within regulated, safety-sensitive, or high-hazard manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence programs preferred.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance operational, financial, and strategic priorities.
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing operations, process control, production planning, and operational excellence principles.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of chemical manufacturing processes, equipment, and process safety principles preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and team development abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis, KPI management, and operational performance measurement.
• Demonstrated ability to influence organizational performance through collaboration and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the business leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, operational performance, and business decision-making.
• Partner closely with the Business Operations Manager to ensure alignment between manufacturing requirements and business support functions.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance.
• Develop and monitor manufacturing key performance indicators (KPIs), including, quality, throughput, downtime, labor efficiency, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve manufacturing performance, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and cost management initiatives.
• Lead in succession planning and organizational development activities.
• Lead and direct all manufacturing activities to ensure safe, efficient, compliant, and high-quality production.
• Establish and execute production plans that meet customer demand and business objectives.
• Manage daily manufacturing execution, production scheduling, staffing, and operational priorities.
• Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures, process controls, and manufacturing specifications.
• Coordinate production activities to maximize throughput while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Monitor manufacturing performance and implement corrective actions to address operational issues and constraints.
• Drive accountability for production results and operational discipline throughout the organization.
• Champion Manufacturing Excellence through Lean Manufacturing principles, standard work, waste elimination, visual management, and 5S practices.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
• Utilize root cause analysis, corrective action methodologies, and data-driven decision-making to improve operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to optimize manufacturing processes, workflows, equipment utilization, and labor efficiency.
• Lead initiatives that improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce downtime, and increase production capacity.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and employee involvement throughout manufacturing operations.
• Lead and continuously improve all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) programs.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Coordinate safety training, audits, inspections, corrective actions, and compliance initiatives.
• Maintain permits, regulatory documentation, and required reporting activities.
• Lead incident investigations and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and environmental stewardship throughout the organization.
• Partner with maintenance personnel to maximize equipment reliability and manufacturing uptime.
• Support preventative maintenance, predictive maintenance, and reliability improvement initiatives.
• Assist in prioritizing maintenance activities based on operational requirements and business needs.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Support capital projects, equipment upgrades, and manufacturing expansion initiatives.
• Lead, coach, and develop manufacturing personnel and frontline leaders.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability standards.
• Manage hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee development activities.
• Foster collaboration, communication, and engagement across manufacturing teams.
• Support workforce development and succession planning initiatives.
• Build organizational capabilities that support future growth and operational excellence.
• Promote a positive work environment that balances accountability, teamwork, and employee well-being.

Benefits

• health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Generous paid time off policy with paid holidays

What This Job Offers

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