Site Director
In partnership with functional leaders, this role is responsible for developing and executing the plant's long-term operational strategy across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and talent. This highly visible leader represents the operations organization when engaging with business teams, senior executives, suppliers, and cross-functional partners. The role sets the vision for the future state of the site, drives continuous improvement, and elevates performance and culture through proactive leadership and employee engagement.
Site Overview
- Campus: Four-building facility with distinct fabrication, paint, and assembly operations
- Employees: ~780
- Near-Term Priorities: Operational stabilization through audits, safety and quality improvements, process visibility, and leadership enablement
- Mid-Term Priorities: Workflow integration and optimization using Lean practices, digital tools, and workforce development
- Long-Term Vision: Transformation into a sustainable, future-ready operation through strategic layout redesign and targeted partnerships
Scope of Accountability
Operational Leadership
Lead day-to-day operations across multiple value streams and functional areas. Deliver on budgeted performance and strategic expectations across safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people KPIs.
Strategic Planning
Serve as the business owner for the site. Identify key opportunities, define the operational strategy, and establish multi-year capital and improvement plans. Leverage Lean principles to drive operational excellence and margin expansion.
Employee Engagement
Remain highly visible on the floor, create an environment that encourages participation, and foster a culture of hands-on leadership and high-involvement problem solving.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Operate within a matrixed organization to build strong partnerships with corporate and functional leaders. Influence product line teams and other groups to support and achieve plant objectives.
Supplier Connectivity
Partner with internal sourcing, purchasing, and external suppliers to proactively resolve operational issues and improve performance.
Performance Management
Align with functional leaders to establish work standards, metrics, and expectations for safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people. Maintain regular review cadences to ensure continuous improvement.
Financial Stewardship
Lead development and management of the plant's fiscal budget. Partner with Engineering to plan and execute capital projects that enhance productivity, quality, and long-term capability.
Talent Strategy
Collaborate with HR to implement a comprehensive talent roadmap focused on attraction, development, engagement, and retention of a high-performing workforce.
Position Responsibilities
- Direct daily operational activities and optimize resource alignment across the plant
- Coach, develop, and empower leaders through structured feedback and growth opportunities
- Serve as the operational interface to product line teams, influencing product development and market alignment
- Partner effectively to execute product line and operational transitions
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field
- Master's in Business Administration or similar discipline preferred
Experience
- 10-15 years in manufacturing or related industries
- 10+ years leading complex manufacturing operations
- 5-7 years in senior leadership roles (Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Director-level), ideally overseeing 500+ indirect employees
- 5+ years leading Lean manufacturing initiatives
- 5+ years partnering on major capital projects ($50M+)
- Proven success in delivering SQDCP improvements and strategic performance results
- Strong experience presenting recommendations to executive leadership
- Expertise in cost accounting, budgeting, and financial modeling (IRR/ROI)
- Familiarity with automation, IoT, and modern ERP systems
- Demonstrated success in Kaizen facilitation and daily management systems
- Strong foundation in safety program development and implementation
- Track record of developing leaders and building high-performing teams
Key Competencies
- Visionary Thinking: Ability to set a compelling long-term direction
- Strategic Decision-Making: Data-driven approach to operational and financial choices
- Adaptability: Comfortable navigating change, ambiguity, and fast-paced environments
- Collaborative Leadership: Builds trust, aligns stakeholders, and empowers teams
- Integrity: Demonstrates strong ethics, accountability, and transparency
FAQs
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