Sr. Director - Operations

Pregis•Elgin, IL

9d•$210,000

About The Position

Pregis is seeking a high-impact Senior Director of Operations to lead operational excellence and plant performance transformation across all facilities in the Mailing Solutions business unit. The role focuses on identifying inefficiencies, implementing corrective actions, and building a culture of sustainable improvement and accountability. The successful candidate will improve operational results by identifying process improvements, executing data-driven solutions, and developing a high-performing, lean, and engaged workforce. This hands-on leadership position oversees production, maintenance, quality, safety, logistics, and planning across multiple manufacturing sites. The Senior Director will establish performance metrics and operating standards, lead continuous-improvement initiatives, develop plant leadership teams, and collaborate with corporate and cross-functional partners. The role also supports technology adoption, capital investments, and equipment upgrades. Travel is greater than 50%.

Requirements

At least 15 years of progressive operations leadership experience in manufacturing, including prior multi-site leadership experience.
Demonstrated success leading operational transformation with measurable KPI improvements.
Deep understanding and application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous-improvement principles.
Proven experience overseeing multi-site operations, preferably in a fast-paced, custom, or high-mix environment.
Strong track record leading cross-functional teams through cultural and organizational change.
Strategic thinking and ability to execute tactically.
Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills at all organizational levels.
Ability to manage conflicting priorities and deliver results under pressure.
Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing teams.
Strong business acumen and financial literacy.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
Experience in packaging and converting.
Experience in a fast-paced, custom, or high-mix manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Prioritize the operational issues with the greatest impact on top- and bottom-line performance.
Build relationships across business-unit and corporate teams to deliver operational excellence through collaboration.
Communicate clearly and concisely with stakeholders.
Be accountable for KPI results across multiple manufacturing sites and instill process discipline, performance rigor, and continuous improvement.
Provide strategic and tactical leadership across production, maintenance, quality, safety, logistics, and planning.
Partner with the broader Pregis organization and use available resources to enhance business operations standards.
Champion Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to reduce waste, improve flow, and increase plant efficiency and responsiveness.
Conduct performance assessments and gap analyses; establish KPIs and lead initiatives to improve OEE and quality, reduce scrap and downtime, and enhance delivery performance.
Build a scalable, data-driven operational model supported by analytics, business cases, and cost-benefit justifications.
Develop performance metrics and dashboards to support real-time decision-making.
Lead, develop, and mentor plant leadership teams, fostering ownership and accountability.
Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Sales, Customer Service, and Finance to align operational goals with broader business objectives.
Support new technology adoption, capital investments, and equipment upgrades.
Establish and maintain policies, procedures, documentation, standard work, and best practices.
Promote safety and compliance, ensuring adherence to OSHA and internal safety standards.