Job Description:

No third party or agency candidates will be accepted for this position.

Position:  Sr. Director, Operations

Location: Mayodan, NC (onsite, full-time)

Reports to: VP, Operations

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Operations to lead and optimize our manufacturing operations at our Mayodan, NC factory. In this key role, you will be responsible for the overall performance, productivity, safety, and efficiency of the plant while ensuring the highest level of internal and external customer satisfaction. You will oversee multi-functional teams across production, quality, supply chain and maintenance while driving operational excellence, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives. This is a full-time, on-site role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all day-to-day operations of the plant, including P&L ownership, production planning, quality, safety, and compliance.

• Set and implement policies and procedures to improve plant productivity, cost control, and product quality.

• Analyze operational metrics to identify areas for process optimization and performance improvements.

• Champion a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and team engagement in line with OSHA compliance.

• Oversee cross-functional teams including finance, engineering, HR, quality assurance, and materials.

• Support strategic initiatives for multi-plant operations, working closely with leadership to align production goals with business objectives.

• Hire, train, and mentor production staff while fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performance work environment.

• Manage plant budgets, labor planning, resource allocation, and strategic supplier relationships.

• Ensure regulatory compliance and conduct regular safety audits, trainings, and inspections.

• Model and hold other accountable to consistently model the Ruger expected behaviors.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree required (Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field preferred) or equivalent years of experience in lieu of a degree

• Minimum 5 years of experience in an Operations Director, General Manager, Plant Manager or equivalent leadership role in a manufacturing setting

• Willingness to travel up to 25%

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven track record of delivering operational efficiency, cost savings, and performance improvements

• Expertise in Plant Lifecycle Management, Production Planning, and Capacity Planning

• Strong knowledge of P&L management, resource allocation, and culture building

• Proficient in ERP systems (Oracle preferred) and data-driven decision-making

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies

• In-depth understanding of OSHA standards and safety compliance

• Strong servant leadership approach to growth and development of the team

Additional Requirements:

Must be able to successfully pass a drug and background screen

Must be eligible to handle firearms per federal firearms regulations

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package including competitive salary, profit sharing and bonus

• Heath benefits including medical, dental, and vision

• Life and Retirement benefits including 401k match, company 401k contribution, basic and supplemental life options, as well as short- and long-term disability plans

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Relocation Assistance is available for the right candidate

• Casual work environment