Dir, Operations

Barnes•East Granby, CT

About The Position

The Director, Operations leads the site’s day-to-day and strategic production activities, managing production and maintenance supervisors to meet site goals. The role drives safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance while overseeing internal and external supply chain requirements. It develops and maintains an effective manufacturing organization through team selection, training, development, motivation, coaching, and recognition. The Director champions Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and 6S initiatives, tracks daily performance, verifies corrective actions and recovery plans for missed targets, and ensures daily use of cell communication boards. The role prepares equipment specifications, supports new process and product development and implementation, and fosters operational excellence through employee participation in improvement activities. In collaboration with Human Resources, it promotes positive employee relations through fair and consistent work rules, recognition, employee involvement, and communication. Applicants must meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements for access to controlled information or technology. Any offer for a role involving such access may be contingent on verification of documentation and, if needed, the Company’s determination regarding an export license and its successful procurement.

Requirements

At least seven years of operations or manufacturing experience; Aerospace or a related industry is preferred.
At least four years of experience managing people.
Demonstrated understanding of Lean Manufacturing concepts and proven implementation or integration of Lean principles and techniques in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to lead and facilitate change, balance consistency with flexibility, and adapt ideas in response to new information.
Track record of promoting positive employee relations.
Strong leadership and people-engagement skills, including leading by example and using leadership effectiveness (EI).
Integrity and the highest ethical behavior.
Ability to understand the technical nature of manufactured products and provide assistance as required.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate changes effectively, influence others, build commitment, and overcome resistance.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business Management, or a related field required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the Aerospace or a related industry.
MS or MBA.
Six Sigma or Lean certification.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day and strategic production activities at the site.
Manage production and maintenance supervisors to meet site goals.
Champion Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and 6S initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency at the lowest possible cost.
Oversee internal and external supply chain activities to meet customer quality and delivery requirements.
Develop and maintain an effective manufacturing organization through team selection, training, development, and motivation.
Drive operations to achieve safety, quality, productivity, and delivery goals; recognize and reward employee contributions.
Coach and support supervisors, leads, and associates to promote the growth and development of the operations team.
Track daily performance, verify countermeasures and recovery plans for missed targets, and ensure cell communication boards are used daily.
Prepare equipment specifications consistent with required product quality, quantity, delivery, and service levels.
Support new process and product development and implementation.
Promote an operational excellence culture in which employees participate in Kaizen and 6S activities and contribute improvement suggestions.
Collaborate with Human Resources to promote positive employee relations through fair and consistent work rules, recognition, employee involvement, and communication.