Director of Operations
A growing manufacturing organization is seeking a Director of Operations to lead production, quality, maintenance, and operational strategy across a multi-department manufacturing environment. This individual will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team and play a critical role in driving operational performance, continuous improvement, culture development, and long-term business strategy.
Position Overview:
The Director of Operations will oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations while developing scalable processes, improving efficiencies, and ensuring alignment between operations, sales, and customer demand. This role requires a hands-on operational leader who can balance strategic thinking with execution in a fast-paced manufacturing setting
Responsibilities
- Lead manufacturing operations across production, maintenance, quality, and warehouse functions.
- Develop and implement operational goals, KPIs, and reporting mechanisms to improve efficiency, throughput, and capacity utilization.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on scrap reduction, workflow optimization, productivity, and quality enhancement.
- Partner closely with sales, production planning, and leadership teams to maintain customer lead times and operational alignment.
- Foster a culture centered around accountability, teamwork, safety, and operational excellence.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DNR, and other applicable regulatory standards.
- Evaluate capital equipment and facility improvement opportunities, including ROI analysis and implementation planning.
- Oversee preventative maintenance programs and facility infrastructure to support uninterrupted operations.
- Lead and mentor operational teams while maintaining strong communication and alignment across departments.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, Management, or related field preferred.
- 5–10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience within a production environment.
- Prior leadership experience overseeing operations, production, maintenance, or quality teams.
- Experience driving Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong operational, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Proven ability to lead teams, improve processes, and execute operational strategies.
- Experience in strategic planning, business operations, and organizational development preferred.
Submit Your Resume
ABOUT SKYWATER SEARCH
Start with your Short List
Led by a group of seasoned search industry professionals, SkyWater Search Partners brings new focus to a novel concept, “Short List Search.” Our purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the clients we serve by providing individuals who will make a measurable difference in their business. We strive to consistently deliver great results to our clients in a very timely manner.
Practice Areas
Our practice areas are led by highly experienced executive recruiters who take great care in fully understanding client requirements and candidate qualifications.
• Accounting and Finance
• Information Technology
• Operations
• Engineering
• Sales
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Construction
• Supply Chain
• Consumer Package Goods (CPG)
Founded on long-standing relationships and hundreds of successful placements throughout the Twin Cities business community, SkyWater Search Partners is a proven resource for clients and candidates looking to quickly and confidently explore their “short list” of best choices. Count on us to find the best people – and the best fit.
