Sr. Director, Ops Strategy - PMO / Project Leader
Senior Director, Operational Execution - PMO / Project Leader
Summary
The Senior Director of Operational Execution serves as the strategic driver and on‑site leader for an organization's highest‑priority initiatives, programs, and cross‑functional projects. Acting as an extension of senior operations leadership, this role ensures alignment, disciplined execution, clear accountability, and timely delivery across workstreams that influence performance, capability, and long‑term scalability.
As a key member of the Site Leadership Team, this leader shapes the long‑range operational roadmap, elevates executional rigor, and enables the facility to consistently meet objectives related to safety, quality, service, cost, and people development.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Alignment
- Translate enterprise and site-level strategy into actionable, prioritized initiatives and execution plans.
- Establish and enforce timelines, milestones, success metrics, and governance structures to drive operational discipline.
- Promote proactive communication and alignment across Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance/Utilities, Engineering, EHS, Supply Chain, HR, and R&D.
Program & Project Governance
- Serve as the primary on‑site leader for high-impact initiatives such as capacity expansion, performance optimization, cost‑reduction programs, new capability deployment, digital transformation, and workforce strategies.
- Build and oversee project management frameworks that track progress, anticipate risks, and optimize resource allocation.
- Remove obstacles, escalate issues when needed, and ensure initiative owners have the tools, data, and support required for success.
Operational Excellence
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement grounded in data-driven decision making.
- Identify systemic gaps, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies and drive sustainable solutions.
- Embed best-practice methodologies including Lean, TPM, and Six Sigma to strengthen execution rigor.
- Improve cross-functional coordination by aligning work systems, standardizing processes, and reinforcing accountability.
Leadership & Organizational Influence
- Coach and influence site leaders to enhance execution capability, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness.
- Partner with senior operations leadership on strategy, organizational design, long‑term capability building, and talent development.
- Provide clear and timely communication to executive stakeholders on initiative status, resource requirements, risks, and recommendations.
Requirements
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred (Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field).
- 12+ years of progressive leadership experience within manufacturing, operations, engineering, or a related field.
- Proven success leading complex, high‑impact, cross‑functional initiatives in large-scale manufacturing or consumer goods environments.
- Deep experience with Lean, TPM, continuous improvement, and operational excellence methodologies.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong leadership presence with ability to influence without authority and drive alignment across diverse teams.
- Advanced program and portfolio management capability; able to manage competing priorities in a dynamic, high‑change environment.
- Highly skilled in problem‑solving, systems thinking, risk mitigation, and change management.
- Outstanding communication and storytelling skills; able to translate technical or complex information into clarity for all organizational levels.
- Thrives in fast‑paced, high‑growth environments with evolving priorities and ambiguity.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your CV to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.