We are seeking a results-driven and strategic Sr. Director, Operations to lead and oversee operations across three plants located in Kansas City, KS, Athens, GA, and Chowchilla, CA. This senior leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence, safety, productivity, and engagement across a team of approximately 700 employees, including three Plant Managers reporting directly to this position.
The ideal candidate will bring strong multi-site leadership experience and a proven track record in manufacturing performance improvement, continuous innovation, and operational strategy execution within a union and non-union environment.
Position Responsibilities
EHS and Risk Prevention
- Foster a culture of safety, 5S, and environmental responsibility
- Ensure compliance with EHS standards and proactively identify and mitigate risks
- Lead adherence to federal and state environmental, health, and safety regulations
- Oversee risk grading and policy compliance, including insurance and asset controls
Employee Engagement and Development
- Build an inclusive, collaborative culture rooted in empowerment and trust
- Align plant goals with broader business objectives through cross-functional communication
- Partner with HR to implement workforce development and continuous learning programs
- Promote employee well-being and engagement across all sites
- Support community engagement initiatives to strengthen brand reputation
Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement
- Develop leadership teams to understand financials and KPIs for balanced performance
- Drive lean manufacturing, WCM, and Six Sigma practices to improve cost, productivity, and operational efficiency
- Coach plant leaders on prioritizing initiatives with the highest impact on cost reduction and performance
Finance and CAPEX Leadership
- Partner with engineering teams to plan, manage, and approve capital projects
- Interpret and analyze P&L statements to drive performance improvements
- Lead regional budgeting and forecasting to ensure financial alignment and accountability
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Engineering, or related field (required)
- Master’s degree in Business, Finance, or Operations (preferred)
- 15–20 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing (required)
- 5–8 years of experience managing managers (required)
- 5 years of multi-site operational leadership (required)
- 3–5+ years of cross-functional experience outside operations (preferred)
- 10+ years of experience in insulation manufacturing (required)
Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)
- Lean Six Sigma Certification
- Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) or equivalent
- OSHA or EHS compliance certifications
What the Role Offers
- Salary range: $180,000 – $225,000
- Competitive base salary and annual performance-based bonus eligibility
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, dental, vision, and prescription
- Paid time off, parental leave, and Employee Assistance Program
- 401(k) with company match, retirement accumulation plan, and employee stock purchase program
- Tuition reimbursement and continuing education opportunities
- Pet insurance and employee recognition programs
- Access to exclusive online discount marketplace and wellness incentives
Why Malvern?
Malvern serves as a hub for innovation and collaboration within the building materials industry. As part of a forward-thinking, sustainability-driven organization, this role provides an opportunity to shape manufacturing excellence and contribute to cutting-edge advancements in insulation technology. You’ll be joining a culture that values continuous improvement, employee development, and operational innovation—making Malvern an ideal environment for impactful leadership.