Director of Operations

Our client is a leading manufacturer of engineered carbon-graphite materials and self-lubricating components used in demanding aerospace, defense, industrial, and space applications. With a long-standing reputation for technical innovation and precision manufacturing, the company delivers mission-critical solutions that enhance reliability, performance, and operational efficiency for customers worldwide.

Combining decades of engineering expertise with advanced manufacturing capabilities and rigorous quality standards, the organization is focused on driving continuous innovation and operational excellence. Its products play a critical role in helping customers improve performance, extend equipment life, and operate reliably in some of the world's most challenging environments.

Location: Ossining, NY

Onsite: 5 days

Position: Director of Operations

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the President, the Director of Operations will lead all manufacturing operations for our client, including production, manufacturing engineering, maintenance, quality, scheduling, and continuous improvement. This executive will drive operational excellence, safety, profitability, quality, and on-time delivery while supporting the company's growth objectives in a precision machining environment.

As a member of the leadership team, the Director will develop and execute operational strategies, optimize manufacturing performance, build high-performing teams, and ensure consistent execution of customer commitments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership

• Lead all manufacturing functions, including production, machining, maintenance, quality, engineering, and scheduling.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business objectives and customer requirements.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency.
• Ensure achievement of production, delivery, safety, and quality targets.
• Lead capacity planning and manufacturing scalability efforts to support growth.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations organization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Support succession planning, employee engagement, and leadership development initiatives.

Performance & Financial Management

• Establish and track KPIs to drive operational performance.
• Utilize data-driven decision-making to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency.
• Manage operational budgets, capital expenditures, and resource allocation.
• Partner with Finance to improve profitability, labor efficiency, and inventory management.
• Identify and execute cost reduction and process improvement opportunities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, and Finance.
• Support process improvements, new product introductions, and customer satisfaction initiatives.
• Ensure effective coordination between operations and supply chain activities.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion workplace safety and ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, customer, and quality requirements.
• Maintain accountability for operational compliance, quality systems, and continuous improvement efforts.

THE CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with a proven track record of driving operational excellence within a precision machining and aerospace manufacturing environment. This leader will balance strategic planning with day-to-day execution, maintain a visible presence on the manufacturing floor, and build credibility at all levels of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or related field required.
• MBA or advanced technical degree preferred.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification preferred.

Professional Experience

• 7+ years of progressive manufacturing operations leadership experience, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven success leading complex precision machining operations.
• Hands-on experience with CNC machining centers (Haas), lathes, and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Aerospace manufacturing experience required.
• Strong background in production, manufacturing engineering, maintenance, quality systems, and continuous improvement.
• Experience leading large teams and cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated success improving productivity, reducing costs, and increasing operational efficiency.
• ERP experience required; EPICOR preferred.
• AS9100 quality system experience preferred.

Leadership & Technical Capabilities

• Strong knowledge of CNC machining, precision manufacturing, and aerospace quality requirements.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead operational transformation and drive measurable business results.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership capabilities with the ability to influence across all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing teams.

Location

• Fully onsite leadership role.
• Approximately 75% of time spent at the Ossining, NY headquarters and 25% at the Mountain Dale, NY facility.
• Regular travel between facilities required, with occasional travel to customer and supplier locations.

Compensation

• Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. Will include base, bonus and benefits. Base salary range $160K-$180K

SE: 510806009