Senior Director of Operations

PAULO PRODUCTS COMPANY•St. Louis, MO

15d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director of Operations has direct operational ownership of core functions including Quality, Safety, Environmental, and Metallurgy. This role is accountable for operational performance, regulatory compliance, and execution excellence across all plants. The position carries authority to set standards, enforce adherence, allocate resources, and close performance gaps to ensure day to day operations meet all safety, quality, environmental, and customer requirements. This leader plays a central role in resolving the company’s most critical operational challenges, including performance recovery, process standardization, and technical or customer escalations. Operating within company policies and procedures, the Senior Director of Operations drives continuous improvement and ensures all technical and operational activities are executed safely, reliably, and in alignment with long term business objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, and/or equivalent work experience.
Five or more years’ experience in a similar or related position. Preferably in a manufacturing environment, including experience with supply chain and quality systems.
Five or more years’ experience in management or organizational leadership capacity.
Ability to obtain a passport and travel internationally.
Demonstrated applied metallurgy knowledge.
Knowledge of practical heat treating and heat treating equipment.
Knowledge of basic mechanical and electrical concepts.
Strong problem solving abilities, including proficiency with statistical process improvement and problem solving tools such as 8D, A3, DMAIC, Six Sigma, DOE, FMEA, SPC, VSM, etc.
Must display logical thinking processes.
Knowledge of excel spreadsheets and word processing, preferred.
Must be able to participate in and encourage teamwork and open communication.
Ability to prioritize and effectively handle several assignments/problem situations/projects.
Ability to work effectively, independently and as a team member.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with individuals as well as with groups of people.
Must be well organized and prepared for meetings and deadlines.
Strong analytical and decision making skills including but not limited to, forecasting ability, measuring the success of team members, monitoring team and individual goals, and sharing success factors with the team.
Must be able to travel up to 50%.
Valid driver’s license and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record in compliance with Paulo’s Vehicle Use Policy.

Responsibilities

Has direct operational leadership and accountability for Quality, Safety, Environmental, and Metallurgy departments
Establishes and executes operational plans to meet business goals, audit requirements, and compliance standards, with authority to set priorities and allocate resources across departments.
Ensure compliance with standards set by AST Paulo, AST, Aalberts and regulators.
Serve as the point of contact for EHS topics with AST and Aalberts.
Leads capability development across operational teams through coaching, mentoring, and setting clear performance expectations.
This position is accountable for the execution and outcomes of complex, cross site operational improvements and corrective actions.
Direction is provided through long range operational objectives, company policies, and performance expectations, with authority to require compliance.
Partners with Plant Managers and the Executive Vice President to drive operational decisions, supported by timely and actionable performance analysis.
Is accountable for company compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and quality laws, regulations, and standards.
Leads and enforces continuous improvement efforts across plant and corporate operations.
Establishes execution plans and holds teams accountable for meeting operational commitments and timelines.
Directs coordination with plant leadership, contractors, customers, regulators and external partners to ensure operational objectives are achieved.
Meet, schedule and plan projects with local leadership, contractors, customers and local administrators.
Fill in for Plant Managers or other plant leadership positions as directed.