Director of Production Operations
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- 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
Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Benefits
- 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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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
