Director of Operations
Apply NowCompany: Detroit Manufacturing Systems
Location: Wixom, MI 48393
Description:
Who We Are:
At Kinetyc, we're on a mission to shake up the industrial manufacturing world. We believe the future belongs to companies that can adapt fast, build smarter, and scale with purpose. As an adaptive manufacturing start-up, we partner with forward-thinking companies to bring next-gen industrial products to life-with precision, agility, and innovation at the core.
We're not just building parts-we're building momentum.
About the Role:
We're looking for a Director of Operations who's ready to roll up their sleeves, lead from the front, and help shape the future of industrial manufacturing. This is a rare opportunity to take the reins of a high-potential start-up operation and grow it into something remarkable.
You'll lead all aspects of our manufacturing operations, from strategic planning to daily execution. You'll build and develop an A-team, drive continuous improvement, and help define what modern manufacturing can look like. This role is both visionary and tactical-perfect for someone who's energized by complexity, obsessed with excellence, and thrives in the organized chaos of a scaling business.
What You'll Be Doing:
What We're Looking For:
Why Kinetyc?
Because we're not just building a company-we're building a movement. You'll join a fast-growing team of innovators, makers, and doers who believe in big ideas, fast learning, and creating real-world impact. Here, your work won't just matter-it'll move things forward.
At Kinetyc, we're on a mission to shake up the industrial manufacturing world. We believe the future belongs to companies that can adapt fast, build smarter, and scale with purpose. As an adaptive manufacturing start-up, we partner with forward-thinking companies to bring next-gen industrial products to life-with precision, agility, and innovation at the core.
We're not just building parts-we're building momentum.
About the Role:
We're looking for a Director of Operations who's ready to roll up their sleeves, lead from the front, and help shape the future of industrial manufacturing. This is a rare opportunity to take the reins of a high-potential start-up operation and grow it into something remarkable.
You'll lead all aspects of our manufacturing operations, from strategic planning to daily execution. You'll build and develop an A-team, drive continuous improvement, and help define what modern manufacturing can look like. This role is both visionary and tactical-perfect for someone who's energized by complexity, obsessed with excellence, and thrives in the organized chaos of a scaling business.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Own the full operational scope: production, supply chain, quality, safety, and day-to-day plant leadership
- Build and lead a high-performance team that shares your drive, grit, and passion for excellence
- Champion a culture of safety, transparency, and continuous improvement
- Develop and execute operational strategies that align with our mission and enable rapid scaling
- Drive accountability through meaningful KPIs, data-driven decision-making, and clear communication
- Be a key thought partner to Engineering, Product, and Business Development as we grow and evolve
- Take full ownership of the site's P&L and ensure we're delivering high-quality products on time and on budget
- Lead by example-roll up your sleeves, jump in the trenches, and model the mindset and energy we want throughout the company
- Stay ahead of the curve by integrating new technologies, lean principles, and smart manufacturing practices
What We're Looking For:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree is a plus)
- 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, including 5+ years at a GM, plant manager, or similar level
- Experience scaling operations in a start-up or high-growth environment
- A deep understanding of industrial or electromechanical manufacturing
- Proven ability to implement Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
- Financial fluency and strong experience managing P&L
- A people-first leader who builds trust, inspires teams, and isn't afraid to challenge the status quo
- Comfortable with ambiguity and energized by the opportunity to build systems from scratch
- Strong communicator, relationship builder, and problem-solver with a bias for action
Why Kinetyc?
Because we're not just building a company-we're building a movement. You'll join a fast-growing team of innovators, makers, and doers who believe in big ideas, fast learning, and creating real-world impact. Here, your work won't just matter-it'll move things forward.