Director of Operations

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Director of Operations leads the Distribution Center and related teams by driving a high‑performance, customer‑first culture focused on quality, productivity, innovation, and continuous improvement in a pick-pack-ship and light manufacturing (print production and assembly) setting. The role is responsible for optimizing operational processes, exceeding customer delivery and, ensuring accurate inventory management, and championing Six Sigma principles within the distribution center, engraving, printing and quality.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direct oversight, leadership, and support to the Distribution Center, including the areas of production, engraving and quality.
• Leads the continuous improvement of the personalization and engraving operation – implementing practices to significantly improve speed and quality of delivery.
• Establishes a team culture that enhances quality output and productivity, drives innovation, rewards curiosity, promotes recognition and appreciation, embraces learning, drives accountability, and always maintains a customer‑first mindset.
• Drives technology adoption and continuous improvement across teams for core production and delivery tools, including Oracle NetSuite, RF Smart & Ship Console.
• Collaborates with brand leaders to elevate customer experience, drive program effectiveness, and increase customer retention while meeting and exceeding operational objectives and KPI’s.
• Partners with sourcing to develop and maintain relationships with key vendors and suppliers, manage inventory, and drive quality assurance.
• Maintains a consistent bi‑weekly one‑on‑one coaching cadence with direct reports to support development, engagement, and performance.
• Leads the review and execution of Service Agreements with operational vendors to support quality, cost, and service objectives.
• Drives a culture of operational excellence through training, scheduling, workforce utilization, automation, documentation, and ongoing process improvement.
• Champions Six Sigma leadership and ensures disciplined, consistent operational execution across the organization.
• Actively engages in daily operational huddles, monthly performance deep dives, and quarterly strategy forums.
• Represents the voice of the customer, operations, and the supply chain in leadership and management discussions.
• Builds and sustains comprehensive expertise in RecogNation and Baudville Brands’ product and service offerings to support operational and customer excellence.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism in daily interactions with customers, co‑workers, superiors, and team members.

IDEAL CANDIDATE TRAITS

• Applies rigorous analytical thinking and data‑driven judgment to complex business decisions.
• Effectively prioritizes, plans, and manages time to deliver results in a customer‑focused environment.
• Communicates with clarity, confidence, and professionalism across all audiences.
• Develops trusted partnerships across functions and with external stakeholders.
• Takes full ownership of outcomes and holds self and others accountable.

KEY MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Drives consistent achievement and continuous improvement of same‑day shipping standards across stock and decorated orders.
• Reduces cost per order and production cycle time through disciplined measurement, analysis, and continuous performance improvement.
• Amazon orders are fulfilled in accordance with Amazon Seller/Vendor Central service level agreements, including on‑time shipment, accurate order content, compliant labeling and packaging, and correct system confirmation.
• Maintains inventory accuracy at or above 99% and ensures products are organized and managed using Six Sigma principles.
• Ensures distribution center analytics are systematically reviewed, validated, and optimized at least every 180 days.

Requirements

• Minimum of five years of experience leading cross‑functional teams in a manufacturing environment with a strong emphasis on customer experience, safety and quality.
• Exhibited expertise in production, shipping and general business technology systems – Netsuite, RF Smart preferred.
• Finished goods manufacturing and distribution experience under tight timelines.Preferred background in advanced manufacturing technologies, including CNC, engraving production, printing, or 3D printing.
• Ability to work in an office and production environments and push/pull up to 50lbs daily.
• Forklift and hand jack certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days).
• Demonstrates reliable on‑site presence and flexibility to work extended hours during peak operational periods.

Our Winning Culture Offers

• A world‑class work environment:
  • West Michigan’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for 18 times
  • National Best & Brightest winner for 13 consecutive years
  • 101 Best & Brightest in Wellness winner 12 times
  • 6‑time Great Place to Work Certified™. (
• Performance‑based compensation commensurate with experience, including annual salary and discretionary bonus
• Stability of a privately held, employee‑focused business with 41+ years of rich and diverse history
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Long‑Term Disability, and Short‑Term Disability
• Company‑sponsored 401K with vested match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Peer group of proven winners – ready to embrace the same and grow our successful business to new levels.

Baudville Brands is dedicated to workforce diversity and a drug‑ and smoke‑free workplace. Baudville Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, color, national origin, marital status, genetic information, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other protected characteristic. We welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview process a great one, please let us know.

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