Founding Director Of Operations Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Director of OperationsJob Description
The Director of Operations oversees daily plant and manufacturing activities in a highly technical production environment while leading multiple operational departments. This role drives performance in production, quality, delivery, cost, and customer service, and plays a central part in scaling the organization from a small team to a larger, more complex operation. The Director partners closely with executive leadership to align operations with business priorities and long-term goals, while building a strong culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. This is a key leadership position tied to succession planning and long-term company growth, with the opportunity to eventually own day-to-day operations as current leadership transitions to a more strategic and remote focus.
Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant and manufacturing operations in a highly technical production environment.
• Lead and manage approximately six direct reports across key operational departments, ensuring alignment and accountability.
• Manage manufacturing, procurement, purchasing, customer service, and operational support functions to meet business objectives.
• Partner closely with executive leadership to understand business priorities, customer expectations, and long-term operational goals.
• Drive accountability for production performance, quality, delivery, cost, and customer service across the organization.
• Manage operational budgets, cost controls, financial performance, and P&L-related responsibilities.
• Monitor business performance, identify operational gaps, and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop, document, and strengthen internal processes, leadership structures, and communication channels across departments.
• Support sourcing strategies for electronic components, plastics, molded parts, and other technical materials required for production.
• Lead, coach, and develop managers and employees while fostering a strong culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the central operations leader responsible for running the plant and supporting business growth initiatives.
• Support the organization's growth from approximately 26 employees toward a larger team of up to 75 employees, ensuring operational readiness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support demand planning and supply chain effectiveness.
• Work as a long-term operations partner to executive leadership, preparing to assume greater ownership of day-to-day operations during leadership transitions.

Essential Skills

• Progressive operations leadership experience in manufacturing (number of years not specified in the input).
• Experience leading a highly technical manufacturing environment.
• Background in durable goods, electronics, electronic components, box-build assemblies, contract manufacturing, or similar technical production environments.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, procurement, purchasing, and customer service functions.
• Experience managing direct reports and leading cross-functional teams.
• Financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, forecasting, and P&L responsibility.
• Ability to lead plant operations while partnering closely with executive leadership.
• Strong people leadership, communication, and management skills.
• Experience improving processes, driving accountability, and supporting organizational growth.
• Demonstrated capability in plant leadership, production management, and multi-department management.
• Experience with continuous improvement in manufacturing operations.
• Familiarity with supply chain, procurement, and demand planning in a manufacturing context.
• Ability to oversee customer service oversight in conjunction with operational functions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with electronic components, box-build manufacturing, or technical assembly.
• Experience sourcing plastics, molded components, or specialized production materials.
• Previous leadership titles such as VP of Operations, General Manager, Plant Manager, Director of Operations, Operations Manager, or Site Leader.
• Experience leading an organization through growth or operational transition.
• Experience in a small to mid-sized manufacturing company where the leader is hands-on and highly visible.
• Experience in electronics manufacturing, contract manufacturing, and durable goods production.
• Background in strategic planning and executive partnership within an operations context.
• Demonstrated ability to support and execute continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience with box build and electronics manufacturing environments.

Work Environment
This role is based onsite in a manufacturing environment with a standard Monday through Friday schedule. The organization is in a growth phase, currently operating with approximately 26 employees and planning to expand to around 75 employees by the end of the year. The Director of Operations works closely with executive leadership, including leaders who may be partially remote, and operates in a setting that values hands-on, visible leadership. The environment involves technical manufacturing processes, including electronics, box-build assemblies, and durable goods production, with close collaboration across production, procurement, purchasing, and customer service functions.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Salem, OR.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $140000.00/yr.
Benefits & PerksHi-Tek Electronics offers a stable and competitive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial security, and work-life balance.Health & WellnessMedical Insurance through AetnaDental & Vision Insurance through MetLifeBenefits eligibility begins after 60 days of employmentPremiums are billed monthly (not per paycheck) [Fw: Hi-Tek...d Benefits | Outlook]Retirement401(k) Retirement Plan100% employer match on the first 4% of employee contributionsImmediate vesting - fully vested from day one401(k) eligibility begins after 60 days [Fw: Hi-Tek...d Benefits | Outlook], [Offer of employment | Outlook]Paid Time Off13 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) annuallyPTO accrues throughout the yearPTO is available for use after a 90-day introductory periodPTO is separate from paid holidays [Fw: Hi-Tek...d Benefits | Outlook], [Offer of employment | Outlook]Paid HolidaysHi-Tek provides 8 paid company holidays, including:New Year's DayMemorial DayJuly 4thLabor DayThanksgiving DayDay After ThanksgivingChristmas EveChristmas Day [Re: Amanda DeDona | Outlook], [Offer of employment | Outlook]Payroll & EmploymentTwice-monthly payroll, paid on the 5th and 20thDirect-hire, at-will employmentStandard 90-day introductory period
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Salem,OR.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award 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 astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.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.