Director of Operations

Our client is a high-growth, U.S.-based manufacturing company serving the telecommunications and connectivity sector. With a strong track record of innovation, they design and manufacture mission-critical components used in both high-volume commercial deployments and large-scale venue applications. The company has a global manufacturing footprint that includes domestic production, international facilities, and contract manufacturing partnerships across Asia and Europe. This is a confidential retained search being led by a boutique recruiting firm specializing in operations, supply chain, and engineering leadership roles.  Global Vice President of Manufa… ________________________________________ The Role We are seeking a Director of Operations, North America to lead all aspects of manufacturing and operations across the company’s North American footprint. This role will oversee multiple U.S.-based plants and related distribution/fulfillment activities, driving execution, efficiency, and standardization in alignment with global operations strategy. Reporting to the Global Vice President of Manufacturing (or equivalent senior operations executive), this leader will manage plant leadership teams and functional managers across production, materials, quality, and logistics for the region. The Director of Operations, North America will be a key member of the extended leadership team, responsible for translating corporate strategy into operational results at the regional level. ________________________________________ Key Responsibilities •Lead day-to-day manufacturing and operations across North American facilities, including production, materials, warehousing, and fulfillment. •Own regional operational performance (cost, delivery, quality, safety, and productivity) and contribute to overall business P&L targets. •Implement and sustain Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to improve throughput, labor efficiency, scrap/yield, and on-time delivery. •Partner closely with the Global VP of Manufacturing and executive leadership to align regional operations with global standards, strategy, and KPIs. •Build, coach, and develop high-performing plant and functional leadership teams; ensure strong succession planning and talent development. •Drive improvements in machine utilization, scheduling, capacity planning, inventory management, and material flow. •Support ERP utilization (SAP or similar) across North American sites; ensure data integrity and adherence to standardized processes. •Ensure compliance with quality and environmental standards (ISO 9001/14001) at all North American locations. •Collaborate with supply chain, engineering, quality, and sales to support new product introductions, cost reduction initiatives, and customer commitments. •Provide hands-on, visible leadership on the shop floor; foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. •Support coordination with global manufacturing and contract manufacturing partners to ensure smooth handoffs, transfers of work, and capacity balancing when required. ________________________________________ Required Qualifications •8+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing and/or operations within a factory environment. •3+ years in a multi-site or large single-site operations leadership role (e.g., Plant Manager over a complex site or Regional Operations Leader). •Demonstrated experience in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement; formal Six Sigma certification (Green Belt required, Black Belt preferred). •Proven ability to lead and develop cross-functional teams (production, quality, materials, maintenance, engineering). •Experience in CNC machining, electronics manufacturing, high-mix/low-volume assembly, or similar industrial/manufacturing environments. •Strong financial and operational acumen, with experience managing budgets, headcount, and productivity initiatives. •Hands-on experience with SAP or a similar Tier 1 ERP system. •Experience working within ISO 9001/14001 environments preferred. •Bachelor’s degree required; engineering, operations, industrial management, or related technical field preferred. •Must be willing to relocate to upstate New York and work onsite full-time. •Open to U.S. citizens or individuals with valid U.S. work authorization. ________________________________________ Preferred Background •Experience reporting into a VP or C-level operations/manufacturing executive, with clear exposure to executive-level expectations and metrics. •Background in electronics, telecom, industrial manufacturing, or precision machining. •Prior responsibility for multiple plants or a large, complex manufacturing site with significant headcount. •Demonstrated success leading cultural and operational change (Lean transformations, layout changes, automation projects, or factory expansions). •Experience collaborating with or overseeing contract manufacturers (domestic or international) is a plus. ________________________________________ Personal Characteristics •Hands-on, shop-floor-focused leader who is comfortable being highly visible in operations. •Data-driven decision maker with strong problem-solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset. •Clear communicator who can translate strategy into actionable plans and rally teams around common goals. •Strong collaborator who works effectively with global peers in supply chain, engineering, quality, and commercial functions. If you are an operations leader ready to step into a high-impact regional role with significant visibility and growth potential, this opportunity offers the chance to lead North American operations for a dynamic, innovative manufacturer.