Director of Operations
Management Recruiters International, Des Moines, Iowa, United States, 50319
Director of Operations - Multi-Site Manufacturing
Retained Search | Midwest + Southeast | Precision / CNC / Custom Manufacturing
A privately held, growth-focused manufacturer is seeking a hands-on, people-first
Director of Operations
to lead design and production across two U.S. facilities. This is a critical, high-impact role overseeing the full lifecycle of custom, complex manufacturing operations-design, scheduling, purchasing, CNC machining, assembly, sampling, and shipping/receiving.
We're looking for a builder. Someone who develops strong teams, drives continuous improvement, and elevates performance across every function they touch.
What You'll Lead Set the operational strategy-short-term execution + long-term planning Ensure high-quality, efficient, safe manufacturing operations Manage budgets, staffing levels, materials, and overall productivity Lead and mentor departmental managers; build a culture of accountability Teach and deploy Lean tools at all levels Reduce scrap, improve throughput, and optimize flow Spearhead major projects: plant layouts, capital equipment installations, and process transformations Act as the bridge between leadership, teams, and the manufacturing floor What You Bring
A
people-centered leadership style
that builds trust and performance 10+ years in manufacturing operations; proven results driving improvements 5+ years leading a large segment or full plant operation Strong Lean expertise and enterprise-level process improvement experience Solid technical foundation; CNC knowledge strongly preferred Excellent communicator, problem-solver, and decision-maker Role Details
Full-time, multi-site leadership role Travel up to 25% Mix of office + hands-on floor presence Competitive compensation package Ideal Background
BA/BS in Industrial, Mechanical, Business, or related technical field Experience in custom or contract manufacturing Comfortable leading both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations
Retained Search | Midwest + Southeast | Precision / CNC / Custom Manufacturing
A privately held, growth-focused manufacturer is seeking a hands-on, people-first
Director of Operations
to lead design and production across two U.S. facilities. This is a critical, high-impact role overseeing the full lifecycle of custom, complex manufacturing operations-design, scheduling, purchasing, CNC machining, assembly, sampling, and shipping/receiving.
We're looking for a builder. Someone who develops strong teams, drives continuous improvement, and elevates performance across every function they touch.
What You'll Lead Set the operational strategy-short-term execution + long-term planning Ensure high-quality, efficient, safe manufacturing operations Manage budgets, staffing levels, materials, and overall productivity Lead and mentor departmental managers; build a culture of accountability Teach and deploy Lean tools at all levels Reduce scrap, improve throughput, and optimize flow Spearhead major projects: plant layouts, capital equipment installations, and process transformations Act as the bridge between leadership, teams, and the manufacturing floor What You Bring
A
people-centered leadership style
that builds trust and performance 10+ years in manufacturing operations; proven results driving improvements 5+ years leading a large segment or full plant operation Strong Lean expertise and enterprise-level process improvement experience Solid technical foundation; CNC knowledge strongly preferred Excellent communicator, problem-solver, and decision-maker Role Details
Full-time, multi-site leadership role Travel up to 25% Mix of office + hands-on floor presence Competitive compensation package Ideal Background
BA/BS in Industrial, Mechanical, Business, or related technical field Experience in custom or contract manufacturing Comfortable leading both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations