Director of Operations

This group brand executive leadership position will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations including procurement & materials, warehousing, manufacturing, and quality. The primary focus will be to drive efficiency, productivity, and profitability while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality, relentlessly pursuing a perfect customer experience. The position provides the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure that the company has the proper controls, reporting procedures, people, and systems in place to effectively grow the organization and ensure financial strength and operating efficiency.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESULTS:

• Participate in setting overall strategic direction and goals aligned with best-in-class quality standard expected of Viking and Lynx. Collaborate with the leadership team to develop and execute long-term growth strategies reflecting our vision and mission.
• Drive productivity, timely production, and profitability in the luxury appliance market by implementing innovative lean manufacturing and six sigma techniques. Prioritize customer satisfaction while gaining a competitive edge through efficient processes.
• Establish, track, and achieve KPIs for production schedule, manufacturing costs, product quality, and inventory control programs.
• Effectively translate demand forecasts into production plans and serve as the primary point of contact interacting with Middleby Residential on production status and availability of product.
• Establish and maintain stringent quality control measures to uphold the brand's reputation for excellence.
• Develop related time-dependent lean manufacturing controls, processes and procedures as needed to achieve and sustain world-class quality and customer experiences.
• Monitor and analyze financial performance, identifying areas for improvement and cost optimization. Responsible for managing plant P&Ls.
• Collaborate with the Finance Controller to establish and achieve budgets and financial forecasts aligned with strategic goals.
• Assist in justification, management, and allocation of capital at appropriate valuations to enable company to meet sales, growth, and market share objectives.
• Provide leadership and performance management to operations team, fostering hyper-aligned "failure not an option" culture.
• Build a game-changing talent organization through operations leadership and management that aligns with our core behaviors, mission statement, and pillars. Motivate and lead a high-performance operations team, attracting, recruiting, and retaining top talent.
• Work closely with other departments such as marketing, sales, service, design, and engineering, to align operational efforts with overall business objectives and ensure that product standards consistently exceed customer expectations.
• Responsible for driving strategic decisions on in-house vs. outsourced production.
• Collaborate with the management team to develop and implement plans for the operational infrastructure of systems, processes, and cross-training of personnel designed to accommodate the rapid growth objectives of our organization.
• Responsible for leading supplier relationships to support effective cost negotiation.
• Ensure the integrity of supply and manufacturing control systems by prioritizing product safety above other concerns. Builds operational culture that seeks, identifies, and promptly communicates any known potential safety issues.
• Enforce strict adherence to current safety policies and procedures throughout the organization while continuously improving safety measures. Ensure training, awareness and compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
• Responsible for the measurement and effectiveness of all processes internal and external. Provides timely, accurate and complete reports to the president and leadership team on operational performance and achievements.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners, fostering strong business relationships.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business or operations management or related field is required. Master's degree, preferred. 8+ years of experience in a senior leadership role in manufacturing with multiple site responsibility.
• Ability to exercise sound, ethical judgement in providing organizational leadership to strategically ensure strong operational performance.
• Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team.
• Skilled in organizational development, personnel management, budget and resource development, and strategic planning.
• Flexible and able to multitask; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems.
• Demonstrate a high level of attention to detail and ability to work accurately, with interruptions, to meet deadlines in short lead-times.
• Must possess an understanding of lean manufacturing, six sigma and sources of waste.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications: Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Excellent verbal and written English language skills required. Read, interpret, and analyze correspondence, memos, reports, and tables.
• Communicate with co-workers, vendors, customers, and various business contacts in a courteous and professional manner.
• Discretion in handling sensitive and confidential documents and situations.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and resourceful, with a positive, professional attitude.
• Dedicated to company and personal core values.
• Practice safety and adhere to all company safety policies.