Director Operations

Terex Corporation•Grove City, OH

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Operations leads production departments and manufacturing processes across all operations at Horton Emergency Vehicles’ facility in Grove City, Ohio. The role sets the facility’s strategic direction to deliver high-quality products while maximizing profitability in alignment with the company’s mission and vision. It requires expert knowledge and application of lean manufacturing principles to drive continuous improvement and achieve company goals. The Director leads a manufacturing team of Production Managers, Production Supervisors, and hourly employees; participates in goal setting and strategic planning; directs improvement initiatives and project execution; and manages day-to-day operations and workflow against production schedules. The position is accountable for production-related manufacturing overhead and direct labor costs, including budgeting for personnel, equipment, supplies, and other cost elements. The role sustains lean initiatives, champions workplace safety and environmental compliance, works with senior leaders and other departments to resolve problems and drive root-cause and corrective actions, and develops direct and indirect reports. It also evaluates business procedures and implements improvements. The work takes place in an indoor office and frequently on the plant floor, where personal protective equipment is required or recommended.

Requirements

Proven track record of developing and leading high-performing teams, with a focus on change management.
Strong understanding and experience applying lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated team-building and conflict-resolution ability.
Ability to think, act, and excel in high-pressure, chaotic, or ambiguous situations.
Thorough understanding of business and finance practices, theories, and policies.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, ERP/MRP systems, and related software; Mapics is ideal.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and drive for results.
Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
At least 5 years of related experience in a custom manufacturing environment.
At least 7 years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
Ability to stand or walk regularly; use hands to handle or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crouch frequently; and sit and talk or hear occasionally.
Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds, bend, stoop, and squat, and read and follow written and verbal instructions.
Required vision abilities include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Plant-floor footwear must be close-toed; safety glasses (or prescription safety glasses with side shields) and ear plugs are recommended and/or required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Specialty vehicle experience preferred.
Lean principles experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and supervise Production Managers, Production Supervisors, and hourly employees across manufacturing processes.
Participate in company goal setting, deployment, and strategic planning; set plant-level strategic direction and improvement targets aligned with business goals.
Lead project activities, coach employees, and direct project execution to deliver results.
Plan and monitor day-to-day operations, prioritizing and managing departmental workflows to meet production schedules efficiently and on time.
Manage production-related manufacturing overhead and direct labor costs, and set budget goals for personnel, equipment, supplies, and other cost elements.
Implement and sustain lean initiatives and act as a change agent and ambassador for continuous improvement.
Champion safety by ensuring facility health and safety programs and standards are met, and support safety and environmental compliance and improvement activities.
Communicate and coordinate with senior leaders and departments including Materials, Engineering, Sales Administration, and Product Management.
Provide technical expertise for problem resolution and drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
Build and mentor direct and indirect reports and identify staff development and training needs.
Evaluate the efficiency of business procedures against organizational objectives and apply improvements.
Perform other duties as assigned.