Proven track record in capital project management and ROI analysis.
Strong knowledge of asset management and equipment lifecycle planning.
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders.
Strong financial acumen with executive presentation skills.
Responsibilities
Identify and prioritize capital expenditure opportunities across the network.
Build financial justifications and ROI analyses for capital investments.
Lead enterprise engineering projects from concept to implementation.
Provide technical leadership for facility upgrades and operational improvements.
Serve as a technical resource for plant leadership across the network.
Lead cross-functional operational improvement initiatives for sustainability.
Champion a culture of safety in engineering and operational initiatives.
Benefits
Weekly pay
Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
Pet, Legal, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
401k with matching
Paid Time Off Package
Paid Parental Leave
Tuition Reimbursement
Referral Program
Great company culture
Collaborative team environment
Full Job Description
Responsibilities & Qualifications
Director, Operational Excellence
Location: East Coast (Northeast Preferred) Travel: Approximately 50% Position Summary
ImageFIRST is seeking a strategic, hands-on Director, Operational Excellence to lead enterprise-wide engineering initiatives, capital project planning, and operational improvement efforts across our national network of healthcare laundry facilities.
This newly created leadership role will serve as a key partner to Operations and the Senior Leadership Team, driving long-term asset strategy, capital investment planning, engineering support, and operational sustainability. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable developing strategic initiatives, leading complex projects, and rolling up their sleeves to solve operational challenges in the field.
This role offers a unique opportunity to build foundational processes that will standardize engineering practices and strengthen operational performance across the organization. Key Responsibilities Capital Planning & Strategic Investments
Identify, prioritize, and develop capital expenditure (CapEx) opportunities across the network.
Build financial justifications, ROI analyses, and business cases for capital investments.
Present capital recommendations and project proposals to the Senior Leadership Team.
Partner with Finance and Operations to align capital investments with business strategy and growth objectives.
Project Engineering Leadership
Lead enterprise engineering projects from concept through implementation.
Provide technical leadership for facility upgrades, equipment installations, automation initiatives, and operational improvements.
Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and with measurable business impact.
Engineering Support for Plant Operations
Serve as a technical resource for manufacturing and plant leadership across the ImageFIRST network.
Provide engineering guidance and problem-solving support for facilities requiring operational or technical assistance.
Partner with General Managers and Operations Leaders to resolve complex equipment and process challenges.
Operational Excellence & Strategic Initiatives
Lead cross-functional operational improvement initiatives that support network stabilization, sustainability, and long-term operational performance.
Partner with Operations Leadership to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, standardization, and continuous improvement.
Serve as a trusted resource for high-impact operational projects across the business.
Safety Leadership
Champion a culture of safety across engineering and operational initiatives.
Ensure engineering projects and equipment installations meet all applicable safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Partner with Environmental Health & Safety leadership to proactively reduce operational risk.
Qualifications Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, industrial operations, engineering, or capital project management.
Experience leading multi-site engineering or operational initiatives.
Proven experience managing capital projects and developing ROI-driven business cases.
Strong knowledge of asset management, equipment lifecycle planning, and reliability.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Strong financial acumen with experience presenting recommendations to executive leadership.
Ability to travel approximately 50%.
Preferred
Experience supporting multiple manufacturing or industrial facilities.
Plant management or operations leadership experience.
Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement experience.
Military leadership experience is highly valued, particularly candidates who have transitioned into manufacturing, engineering, or operations leadership roles.
Experience within healthcare services, industrial laundry, textiles, food manufacturing, consumer products, or other asset-intensive industries.
Leadership Competencies
Strategic thinker with strong operational execution
Results-oriented and highly accountable
Excellent communication and executive presentation skills
Strong analytical and financial decision-making capabilities
Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence across functions
Comfortable navigating ambiguity and leading enterprise-wide change
Hands-on problem solver with a continuous improvement mindset
Company Values & Benefits
Required Competencies:
Be Respectful: Value all we come in contact with
Be Remarkable: Create a positive moment with every interaction
