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Director of Operations

Job Description

The Director of Operations plays a critical leadership role in overseeing safe, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective manufacturing operations within a chemical manufacturing facility. This position is accountable for achieving production goals, optimizing manufacturing processes, improving operational performance, and developing a high-performing workforce while supporting customer satisfaction and business growth. The role offers extensive exposure to manufacturing strategies, operational excellence, workforce leadership, business strategy, financial management, and cross-functional decision-making, serving as a developmental pathway toward broader leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key member of the business leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, operational performance, and cross-functional business decision-making.
• Partner closely with the Business Operations Manager to align manufacturing requirements with business support functions and overall organizational objectives.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance across the manufacturing plant.
• Develop, track, and monitor manufacturing key performance indicators (KPIs), including quality, throughput, downtime, labor efficiency, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve manufacturing performance, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and cost management initiatives to ensure efficient use of resources.
• Lead succession planning and organizational development activities to build long-term leadership and operational capabilities.
• Lead and direct all manufacturing activities to ensure safe, efficient, compliant, and high-quality production.
• Establish and execute production plans that meet customer demand, delivery requirements, and business objectives.
• Manage daily manufacturing execution, including production scheduling, staffing, and prioritization of operational activities.
• Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures, process controls, and manufacturing specifications to maintain product quality and compliance.
• Coordinate production activities to maximize throughput while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.
• Monitor manufacturing performance, identify operational issues and constraints, and implement corrective actions to resolve them.
• Drive accountability for production results and operational discipline throughout the manufacturing organization.
• Champion Manufacturing Excellence through Lean Manufacturing principles, standard work, waste elimination, visual management, and 5S practices.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
• Utilize root cause analysis, corrective action methodologies, and data-driven decision-making to improve operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to optimize manufacturing processes, workflows, equipment utilization, and labor efficiency.
• Lead initiatives that improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce downtime, and increase production capacity.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and active employee involvement throughout manufacturing operations.
• Lead and continuously improve Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) programs across the facility.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Coordinate safety training, audits, inspections, corrective actions, and compliance initiatives to maintain a safe work environment.
• Maintain required permits, regulatory documentation, and reporting activities in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions to reduce risk and prevent recurrence.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and environmental stewardship throughout the organization.
• Partner with maintenance personnel to maximize equipment reliability and manufacturing uptime.
• Support preventative maintenance, predictive maintenance, and reliability improvement initiatives.
• Assist in prioritizing maintenance activities based on operational requirements and business needs.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Support capital projects, equipment upgrades, and manufacturing expansion initiatives.
• Lead, coach, and develop manufacturing personnel and frontline leaders to build a high-performing team.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability standards for manufacturing staff.
• Manage hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee development activities within the operations team.
• Foster collaboration, communication, and engagement across manufacturing teams.
• Support workforce development and succession planning initiatives to prepare for future growth.
• Build organizational capabilities that support operational excellence and long-term business expansion.
• Promote a positive work environment that balances accountability, teamwork, and employee well-being.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience within manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated success leading manufacturing teams and driving operational improvement initiatives.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing, batch processing, or process manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
• Experience working within regulated, safety-sensitive, or high-hazard manufacturing environments preferred.
• Proven ability to manage production planning, scheduling, staffing, and daily manufacturing execution.
• Strong experience in operational management and operations leadership within a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to develop, monitor, and interpret manufacturing KPIs, including quality, throughput, downtime, labor efficiency, and OEE.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence programs preferred.
• Solid understanding of safety management, EHS programs, and regulatory compliance requirements (OSHA, EPA, DOT).
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and collaborate effectively with business operations and support functions.
• Strong skills in root cause analysis, corrective action, and data-driven decision-making.
• Proven capability to build and develop high-performing teams, including coaching, performance management, and succession planning.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Foundation in chemical engineering, chemistry, or related technical discipline beneficial for understanding process manufacturing.
• Experience in project management within a manufacturing or plant environment.
• Familiarity with batch processing and process optimization in chemical manufacturing.
• Exposure to business strategy, financial management, and capital planning within an operations leadership role.
• Ability to champion continuous improvement cultures, including standard work, waste elimination, visual management, and 5S.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to engage cross-functional teams and frontline staff.
• Demonstrated ability to support plant expansion and growth initiatives, including increased output to meet customer demand.

Work Environment

This role is based in a chemical manufacturing facility that is focused on growth and plant expansion. The Director of Operations works on-site in a production environment that involves batch processing, process manufacturing, and the use of specialized chemical equipment. The setting emphasizes strict adherence to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, including OSHA, EPA, and DOT requirements. The work involves close collaboration with manufacturing, maintenance, and business operations teams, as well as active participation in continuous improvement and capital projects. The environment is fast-paced and performance-driven, with a strong focus on safety, quality, productivity, and operational excellence. Dress and personal protective equipment are aligned with chemical manufacturing facility standards and safety requirements.

This is a Permanent position based out of Green Bay, WI.

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $180000.00/yr.

· Bonus opportunity based on individual performance and company success · Full benefits offering to include, but not limited to health, dental, and vision insurance · 401(k) with competitive company match · Generous paid time off policy with paid holidays · Stable, fast-growing company with collaborative team environment

This is a fully onsite position in Green Bay,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.