Director of Operations

Smiths Group•Melrose Park, IL

6h•$180,000 - $220,000•Onsite

About The Position

DRC Heat Transfer, a US-based designer and manufacturer of custom heat transfer and cooling solutions, is seeking a Director of Operations for its Melrose Park, Illinois location. DRC is a subsidiary of Smiths Group PLC. This newly created position is a key member of the leadership team and is accountable for the strategic vision of manufacturing across a rapid-growth, multi-site Engineer-to-Order (ETO) and Make-to-Order (MTO) environment. The Director will use operational experience, creativity, and problem-solving to address challenges associated with significant, multi-year growth. The role oversees manufacturing performance and strategy, with full P&L responsibility for manufacturing operations. It leads production planning, operational improvement, workforce and capacity planning, and the development of manufacturing capabilities. The Director works closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Customer Service, and promotes safety, accountability, engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning. The position requires travel between local manufacturing facilities.

Requirements

Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal communication, coaching, and employee-development skills.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
Self-motivated, results-oriented, able to work independently and foster collaboration.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Willingness and ability to travel between local manufacturing facilities; valid driver's license and clean driving record required.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment and comply with PPE requirements, including safety glasses and steel-toe footwear.
Bachelor's degree in business administration, Operations Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field required.
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive manufacturing operations leadership experience, including strategic oversight of multi-site operations in an ETO and/or MTO 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.
Proven ability to develop high-performing teams, build leadership pipelines, and drive accountability across organizational levels.
Experience with P&L management, capital planning, capacity expansion, workforce planning, and strategic business execution.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives while driving team performance, accountability, and operational excellence.
Maintain full P&L responsibility for manufacturing operations and achieve 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 manufacturing environment.
Implement and sustain effective manufacturing processes, systems, and operational practices.
Make timely, data-driven operational decisions, including in response to machine downtime and production disruptions.
Champion Lean Manufacturing, 6S, and continuous improvement to reduce waste and improve quality and cost performance.
Develop organizational capability through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and promotion of high-potential employees.
Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Customer Service to achieve business objectives and improve operations.
Foster collaboration, accountability, engagement, safety, and continuous learning across the organization.
Ensure responsibilities are performed safely and in compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
Promote DRC's core values and culture, and maintain confidentiality, information security, integrity, and ethical conduct.
Support a safe, clean, and organized workplace; follow safety procedures and equipment guidelines; and report incidents, injuries, unsafe conditions, and near misses.
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.