Make an Impact. Lead with Purpose. Drive Operational Excellence.At Durham Exchange Club Industries (DECI), our mission is both simple and powerful: to open doors of opportunity for individuals with disabilities.
We are committed to helping people with vocational disabilities discover their strengths, build self-worth, and achieve their full potential through meaningful work and competitive wages. DECI is committed to delivering excellence for our customers while fostering a workplace where every individual can thrive.
We are seeking a dynamic
Operations Director who is passionate about both operational excellence and people-centered leadership. In this role, you'll oversee production, warehouse, and facilities operations while helping advance a mission that truly makes a difference in the community. This is more than a leadership role - it's an opportunity to shape efficient systems, empower diverse teams, and contribute to a purpose-driven organization where your impact is both measurable and meaningful.
What You'll DoLeadership & Operational Strategy- Lead and inspire teams across Production, Warehouse, Facilities, and Engineering
- Collaborate with Production Managers to optimize scheduling, quality, job setup, and new product introduction
- Partner with the COO on long-term strategy, capacity planning, and technology implementation
- Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Operational Excellence- Oversee inventory management, space planning, and equipment allocation
- Ensure seamless movement of materials within the ERP system and into production
- Monitor production progress to meet - and exceed - customer deadlines
- Develop and implement KPIs and reporting tools to enhance productivity and reduce costs
Facilities & Maintenance Management- Manage preventative maintenance and repairs for production equipment and infrastructure
- Coordinate with vendors for installations, service contracts, and complex repairs
- Ensure facilities meet operational needs, including support for lease customers
Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement- Ensure adherence to ISO 9001, FDA, and CARF standards
- Lead resolution of quality issues and implement preventative solutions
- Maintain a strong focus on safety, organization, and operational excellence
Collaboration & Communication- Partner with Sales, Customer Service, and Production teams to align on customer needs and schedules
- Foster strong relationships across departments and with external stakeholders
- Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on operations, facilities, and inventory
People Leadership & Development- Coach, mentor, and develop leaders and team members
- Oversee hiring, performance management, and staff development
- Champion a positive, inclusive culture that supports individuals of all abilities
- Promote professional growth through training and development opportunities
Why DECI? At DECI, we believe in creating opportunities, empowering people, and delivering excellence. You'll join a team dedicated to making a difference - while building a career that's both impactful and rewarding.
- Mission-driven work
- Collaborative, people-first culture
- Opportunities for growth and leadership
- Commitment to inclusion
Ready to lead, innovate, and make an impact? Apply today and help shape the future of operations at DECI. Requirements
What You Bring- Bachelor's degree in Operations, Business, or related field - or - 5+ years of successful leadership experience in operations, production, or project management
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple teams and priorities
- Excellent communication and conflict resolution abilities
- Experience in quality systems, compliance, and process improvement
- High level of judgment, initiative, and problem-solving capability
- Advanced organizational skills with the ability to manage complex operations
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
What Sets You Apart- You lead with integrity, empathy, and accountability
- You thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments
- You're passionate about continuous improvement and innovation
- You're committed to equity and inclusion
Additional Requirements- Ability to lift/move up to 35 lbs. and support production tasks as needed
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and schedules
- Willingness to assist in emergency situations (including restraint if certified)
- Maintain accurate records and ensure secure facility operations
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Computer Skills: Exceptional computer training/experience. MS Office environment (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
Other Requirements: U.S. Citizen or U.S. work qualification
Salary Description
95,000-112,500