The Director of Plant Operations is a senior leader within the plant leadership team, responsible for driving operational strategy and leading the execution of all manufacturing operations across a multi-shift environment. This highly visible role oversees performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and efficiency while building a culture centered on accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Partnering closely with cross-functional leaders, the Director of Plant Operations will lead high-performing teams, support new product introductions, and ensure world-class manufacturing performance through strong employee engagement, Lean manufacturing principles, and operational discipline. This leader will play a critical role in delivering business results while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and workforce development.
PositionDirector, Plant Assembly Operations
LocationUSA, Decatur, AL
How You'll Create PossibilitiesManufacturing Operations- Lead and drive operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and capital investment initiatives at the Decatur facility while supporting broader appliance operations.
- Oversee multi-shift manufacturing operations and ensure achievement of key production and operational metrics.
- Support and execute new product line implementations while maintaining operational excellence.
- Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety policies and procedures.
- Maintain the highest standards for product quality, manufacturing integrity, and operational consistency.
- Foster positive and consistent union and employee relations across the organization.
- Drive collaboration and team-based problem solving throughout operations.
- Lead all aspects of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), including equipment availability, efficiency, and scrap reduction.
- Partner with Facilities and Maintenance teams to support and drive Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives.
Continuous Improvement- Promote and lead Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across plant operations.
- Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and process efficiency.
- Ensure consistent implementation of Lean tools, workshops, and operational excellence programs.
- Build a culture of employee engagement and continuous learning focused on operational improvement and waste reduction.
- Partner in the development and execution of the Factory Master Plan and operational improvement roadmap.
- Lead training and development efforts to strengthen organizational capability at all levels.
Leadership & Business Partnership- Provide strong leadership and direction to manufacturing teams to achieve operational goals and business objectives.
- Monitor and improve Assembly Yield, labor efficiency, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) performance.
- Establish a strong operating rhythm and drive communication, accountability, and recognition throughout the plant.
- Partner with Finance and senior leadership to align operational goals with financial performance targets.
- Communicate plant strategy, operational performance, and key initiatives to executive leadership.
- Support site environmental compliance efforts and drive sustainability initiatives focused on resource efficiency and waste reduction.
What You'll Bring to Our TeamMinimum Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical related, or management.
- 10+ years in progressive manufacturing or technical leadership roles.
Preferred Qualifications:- Strong manufacturing operational background and understanding.
- Relevant experience leading multiple shifts within a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, grow and maintain skilled teams.
- Fluent with Lean manufacturing principles.
- Strong communication skills - will be expected to communicate to all levels of the organization (from the plant floor up to executive staff members).
- Demonstrated ability to take ownership of deliverables and drive decisions based on the overall goals of the company
- Strong understanding of employee relations and maintaining a positive employee relations environment.
- Experience implementing and/or operating under Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) system.
Working Environment:- Work will require some weekend and/or evening work.
