Operations Director

The Operations Director is responsible for leading all U.S.-based manufacturing, supply chain, and operational excellence initiatives within the explosion-proof lighting industry. This role oversees assembly operations, quality, supply chain, logistics, planning, procurement, and supplier development across the U.S., Asia, and Mexico. The position ensures reliable, compliant, and cost-effective operations while strengthening supply chain resilience and supporting the company’s growth.

Manufacturing Operations

• Lead U.S. manufacturing activities: assembly, testing, build readiness, and production coordination.
• Design and standardize production workflows, material flow, and assembly processes.
• Drive DFM improvements, engineering change implementation, and new product industrialization.
• Ensure new product launch readiness (tooling, documentation, materials, test capability).
• Support capacity planning, factory audits, and long-term U.S. production capability growth.

Operational Excellence & Systems

• Implement Lean / Six Sigma / continuous improvement to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Improve ERP/MRP/WMS performance to strengthen planning accuracy and inventory visibility.
• Create and maintain standardized SOPs across manufacturing, supply chain, and quality.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve speed, reliability, and cost structure.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with hazardous-location standards (UL844, Class I Div 1/2, CSA, ATEX/IECEx as applicable).
• Establish inspection protocols, test standards, and incoming/outgoing QC processes.
• Lead root-cause analysis and CAPA to drive continuous quality improvements.
• Support certifications for new products and maintain regulatory documentation.

Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics

• Own end-to-end supply chain: planning, purchasing, warehousing, fulfillment (U.S. + global).
• Manage Asia-based suppliers (electronics, housings, machining, components) for performance and compliance.
• Build resilience by qualifying/developing suppliers in the U.S. and Mexico.
• Develop sourcing strategies to reduce risk and improve cost, lead time, and quality.
• Oversee inbound/outbound logistics, customs, 3PLs, and import/export compliance.
• Build KPIs/dashboards (lead time, inventory turns, material cost, supplier performance, risk).

Team Leadership

• Build, mentor, and lead teams across operations, supply chain, logistics, quality, and production support.
• Develop talent through coaching, performance management, and capability-building.
• Foster accountability, strong communication, and a continuous improvement culture.

Requirements

· 8–12+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, supply chain, or operations.

· Background in industrial equipment, electrical products, or lighting manufacturing required.

· Experience with hazardous-location / explosion-proof certified products strongly preferred.

· Strong understanding of machining, casting, electrical assembly, testing, sealing, and production processes.]

· Proven ability to optimize operations for safety-critical, high-compliance manufacturing environments.

· Experience managing suppliers in Asia, and developing new suppliers in U.S. and Mexico is highly preferred.

· Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation time, floating holidays, and paid sick time, along with a 401(k) retirement plan. Employees also have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage.