We are seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead and strengthen a growing, multi-site industrial manufacturing organization. This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing end-to-end operational performance across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain functions. The ideal candidate is a strategic and hands-on leader with extensive experience in engineer-to-order environments, custom machinery, and heavy industrial equipment, capable of building strong leadership teams, improving operational systems, and delivering complex customer projects on time, within budget, and at target margins.

Position Responsibilities

Customer Program Delivery

Oversee the entire customer program lifecycle, from project kickoff and engineering design through manufacturing, testing, shipment, installation, and customer acceptance.
Manage master schedules and capacity planning across engineering, manufacturing facilities, and suppliers.
Establish and enforce stage-gate processes, design reviews, release criteria, scope control, and change management procedures.
Ensure delivery commitments are realistic and consistently achieved.

Engineering and Manufacturing Alignment

Coordinate engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure designs, drawings, and bills of materials are accurate, complete, and ready for production.
Promote design for manufacturability and assembly.
Establish feedback processes between engineering and production teams to reduce rework and improve build quality.
Encourage standardization and collaboration across multiple locations.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

Maintain strong quality standards and ensure quality teams have the authority to prevent nonconforming products from being released or shipped.
Require comprehensive functional testing before shipment.
Lead root cause analysis, corrective actions, and post-project reviews.
Implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, field issues, and operational inefficiencies.

Cost, Capacity, and Supply Chain Management

Oversee manufacturing performance, including safety, productivity, throughput, operating costs, and capacity.
Manage purchasing and supplier performance, including material costs, lead times, and on-time delivery.
Evaluate make-versus-buy decisions and identify opportunities to improve supply chain efficiency.
Develop operational budgets and capital expenditure plans.
Work with finance leadership to monitor project costs, job costing, and profitability.

Operational Strategy and Systems Development

Establish operational KPIs, performance scorecards, and regular management review processes.
Lead product development initiatives focused on standardization, configurable products, and design reuse.
Drive the adoption and effective use of ERP, PDM/PLM, and scheduling systems.
Identify opportunities to leverage automation, technology, and AI tools to improve operational efficiency.
Partner with Sales on quoting, technical feasibility, project timelines, and strategic planning.

Leadership and Team Development

Lead and develop managers across manufacturing, engineering, quality, project management, and purchasing.
Recruit, coach, and retain strong leaders while establishing clear responsibilities and performance expectations.
Build a collaborative, accountable leadership team across multiple domestic and international locations.
Promote clear communication, practical problem-solving, and a culture focused on operational ownership and results.

Prerequisites

15+ years of experience in engineer-to-order manufacturing, custom machinery, or heavy industrial capital equipment, with exposure to both engineering and manufacturing.
7+ years of experience leading managers or department heads across multiple functions, such as engineering, manufacturing, quality, or supply chain.
Proven track record of delivering complex custom projects on schedule and within budget while maintaining profitability.
Experience managing budgets, project margins, and operational performance.
Strong understanding of stage-gate design reviews, engineering release processes, change control, project management, and capacity planning.
Technical knowledge of mechanical systems, controls, and automation.
Working knowledge of 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks, as well as PDM/PLM and ERP systems.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
Ability to lead multi-site teams, manage competing priorities, and drive organizational growth.

Certifications (Preferred, but Not Required)

MBA or master’s degree in Engineering.
Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
Experience with AGV systems, hydraulics, or heavy-load equipment.
Experience leading multi-site or offshore operations.
Background scaling a privately held manufacturing business.
Experience leading or supporting ERP system implementation.

What the Role Offers

Annual salary range of $160,000–$180,000.
Senior leadership opportunity with broad responsibility across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain.
Opportunity to shape operational strategy, strengthen leadership capabilities, and improve company-wide processes.
Ability to lead business growth through operational excellence, standardization, and continuous improvement.
Exposure to complex industrial equipment, custom machinery, and automation projects.
Opportunities for domestic and international travel, including customer visits and occasional international site visits.

Why Chesterfield?

Chesterfield offers a strong professional environment with access to the broader St. Louis business community and a diverse regional workforce. Its location provides convenient access to major transportation routes, business services, and nearby manufacturing and industrial centers. For an experienced operations leader, the area offers opportunities to build professional connections while contributing to the growth and operational success of a manufacturing organization.