Head of Operations, North America

Kistler Instrument Corp.•Amherst, NY

About The Position

At Kistler, we’re revolutionizing industries with our cutting-edge dynamic measurement technology, helping customers optimize products and processes. From automobile development to smart factories, our Swiss-designed sensor solutions are driving the future of electrified drive technology, industrial automation, and emission reduction. The Head of Operations is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and continuous development of the Buffalo production site and logistics team in Novi, MI as part of the global Kistler production network. This role ensures profitable, reliable, and high-quality manufacturing operations by overseeing production, logistics, planning, purchasing, quality, and facility operations. The position drives operational excellence and competitiveness through continuous improvement across quality, cost, and delivery performance while ensuring production capacity supports regional business growth.

Requirements

Senior operations leader with proven success managing manufacturing or production sites in industrial or high-precision environments.
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, production operations, or supply chain management.
Demonstrated responsibility for site performance, operational KPIs, and profitability.
Experience managing capacity planning, capital investments, and production scaling.
Hands-on leadership style with strong shop-floor engagement.
Strong understanding of ERP systems; SAP experience preferred.
Experience working within regulated or quality-driven environments (e.g., MedTech, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Industrial Manufacturing) preferred.
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Commitment to continuous improvement and safety leadership.
Willingness to travel occasionally to other North American or global sites.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all production center functions including production, order processing, planning, purchasing, logistics, manufacturing operations, and quality management which consists of 35-40 employees.
Ensure on-time manufacturing of products in required quantity and quality while meeting cost and productivity targets.
Execute production plans aligned with demand forecasts, budgets, and operational capacity.
Drive operational performance through structured KPI management including delivery reliability, throughput, productivity, scrap reduction, and inventory turnover
Maintain strong presence-based leadership at the Buffalo site, fostering accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Continuously develop the site to support profitable growth through improvements in processes, organization, and production technologies.
Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives and operational excellence programs.
Plan and ensure required technical and personnel production capacities based on rolling forecasts and business plans.
Develop and manage capital investment plans supporting production capability, equipment modernization, and operational scalability.
Ensure adherence to applicable standards including AS9100D, ISO 9001, and ISO 17025.
Lead Quality Management within operations, ensuring audit readiness and continuous improvement.
Support successful production launch of new products within the Product Life Cycle (PLC) process in collaboration with Engineering and Product Management.
Ensure efficient material flow, inventory management, and logistics performance aligned with global production network standards.
Lead facility management activities, ensuring operational readiness of buildings, machines, and infrastructure.
Maintain and promote occupational health and safety standards across the site.