Model1 Commercial Vehicles-posted 14 days ago
$125,000 - $165,000/Yr
Full-time • Director
Elkhart, IN
101-250 employees

The Director of Production Operations is responsible for leading Model 1’s four Production Centers to achieve high-volume, high-quality output while driving continuous improvement across all operational functions. This role oversees the Production Operations Managers and works closely with cross-functional partners to increase production capacity, standardize processes across locations, and improve operational efficiency and throughput. Through hands-on leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to operational excellence, the Director ensures that each production hub performs at its highest potential while supporting Model 1’s long-term growth and expansion objectives. This position plays a critical role in shaping consistent production performance, strengthening communication across teams, and ensuring Model 1 continues to deliver exceptional value and service to its customers.

  • Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence Lead production operations across Duncan, OK; Elkhart, IN; Summerville, SC; and Chino, CA, ensuring all locations meet production targets and delivery goals.
  • Develop and execute strategic plans to increase capacity, expand throughput, and improve overall production performance.
  • Implement standardized processes, workflows, and operating procedures across all production centers.
  • Partner with OEMs to ensure build quality, correct specifications, and resolution of issues impacting production or customer requirements.
  • Influence staffing levels, shift structures, and resource allocation to maximize facility output in partnership with local management.
  • Production Delivery & Scheduling Work with production scheduling and forecasting teams to align staffing, capacity planning, and facility resources with corporate production targets.
  • Ensure facilities are prepared for customer acceptance appointments, including unit readiness, documentation, and inspection preparation.
  • Lead or co-lead daily and weekly production meetings to ensure alignment, resolve constraints, and improve on-time delivery performance.
  • Ensure accurate and reliable production reporting with consistent communication to the executive team and cross-functional partners.
  • Quality, Customer Acceptance, Safety & Profitability Oversee customer acceptance readiness for fleet and transit deliveries, ensuring all units meet required inspection and acceptance criteria.
  • Collaborate with local teams to ensure customer acceptance processes are executed consistently and documented properly.
  • Approve and direct corrective actions for defects identified during customer inspections.
  • Prioritize rework activities to support customer timelines and reduce cycle time.
  • Partner with Warranty and Aftermarket teams to review quality trends, warranty claims, rework drivers, and production-related build standards.
  • Support development and implementation of quality assurance processes and inspection procedures.
  • Maintain a safe, efficient, and compliant working environment across all production hubs.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities in labor utilization, workflow efficiency, rework reduction, and facility operations.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration Coordinate internally across Sales, Planning, Warranty, Field Service, and Aftermarket Operations to ensure seamless resolution of customer acceptance findings and inspection-related issues.
  • Collaborate with Sales and Planning to align customer delivery timelines with operational capacity.
  • Participate in strategic planning for new facility expansions, equipment needs, and long-term production capabilities.
  • Serve as an escalation point for operational challenges, OEM specification issues, or customer concerns requiring leadership involvement.
  • Team Leadership & Development Directly manage and develop the Production Operations Managers at each production hub.
  • Set performance expectations, provide coaching and feedback, and ensure accountability to KPIs, quality standards, and production goals.
  • Ensure all production teams execute customer acceptance processes consistently across all sites.
  • Foster a culture of communication, teamwork, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
  • 10+ years of experience in production operations, automotive upfitting, fleet/commercial vehicles, or related manufacturing environments.
  • Proven leadership experience managing multi-site operations or high-volume production facilities.
  • Strong operational discipline with experience in capacity planning, labor forecasting, and process standardization.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive efficiency, quality, and performance improvements across diverse teams.
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills.
  • Ability to travel frequently to all production hubs.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand/walk for extended periods, and work in a shop environment
  • Valid driver’s license required
  • Must pass background check and drug screen
  • Competitive benefits including health insurance, paid holidays, and vacation pay
  • Continuous training to provide you the opportunity to develop your full potential and be a true business partner
  • Access to an expansive network of mentors and networking opportunities
  • Top quality technology to assist in your daily responsibilities to allow for more efficiencies to deliver outstanding customer service
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