Job Description
GOSECO International Executive Search® , has been exclusively retained by a prestigious, fast-growing global leader to find their next Regional Director of Operations in the USA.
About the Role
The Regional Director of Operations will oversee multiple manufacturing sites across the Eastern region of the U.S. , ensuring operational efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. This role will report direct line to the Chief Operations Officer. This role is key in driving the company's strategic goals, championing continuous improvement, and building a culture of safety and collaboration. Candidates must bring experience in discrete manufacturing to ensure alignment with the company's production processes and industry standards. While the primary base location is Cincinnati, OH , flexibility is given to candidates located near key operational hubs within the Chicago, IL, and Detroit, MI areas.
Responsibilities
- Oversee Daily Operations: Lead and manage day-to-day operations across six manufacturing sites, ensuring excellence in production, safety, quality, and cost efficiency.
- Strategic Planning & Execution: Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the company’s goals, driving operational excellence and supporting sustainable long-term growth.
- Process Improvement & Compliance: Collaborate with site managers and cross-functional teams to optimize processes, improve workflow, and enhance production capabilities while maintaining compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
- Continuous Improvement: Spearhead continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to increase efficiency and minimize waste.
- Performance Management: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure alignment with company objectives, taking corrective actions as needed to address any performance gaps.
- Capital Project Management: Oversee capital projects, including equipment upgrades and facility expansions, to support operational growth and advance sustainability goals.
- Quality & Efficiency Standards: Ensure that all facilities operate in line with industry best practices, focusing on quality control, on-time delivery, and cost-effective production.
- Safety & Engagement Culture: Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and employee engagement across all sites to maintain high levels of performance, morale, and retention.
- Leadership Development: Mentor and develop Plant Managers and other operations staff, ensuring effective leadership and a strong succession plan within the organization.
- Alignment with Business Goals: Work closely with senior leadership to align operational strategies with broader business objectives, supporting the company’s vision for growth and innovation in the packaging industry.
- Financial & Inventory Management: Oversee revenue attainment, inventory management, cost control, budgeting, and the development of manufacturing and distribution strategies.
- Safe Work Environment: Maintain a safe and compliant work environment that meets ISO, OSHA, and environmental standards.
- Customer Relationship Management: Build and sustain strong relationships with strategic customers by honoring commitments, reinforcing quality standards, and driving continuous innovation.
- Communication & Change Management: Clearly communicate new directives, policies, or procedures to managers and lead meetings with the operations team to explain major changes, answer questions, and maintain morale.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Coordinate and integrate efforts across operations, engineering, sales, customer service, and other departments, fostering a collaborative environment of accountability, communication, and mutual respect.
- Additional Responsibilities: Perform other related duties as assigned to support organizational success.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years of experience in a senior operations leadership role within the packaging or a closely related industry.
- Proven track record of managing multisite operations , with the ability to drive performance and achieve operational goals across geographically dispersed locations.
- Experience in discrete manufacturing is essential to support our client's specific production environment.
- Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing , Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience managing capital projects , including budgeting, planning, and execution.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex operations, and build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, with a strategic mindset and a hands-on approach to operational management.
- Strong knowledge of safety and regulatory requirements within the manufacturing industry.
Required Skills
- Extensive experience in working directly with customers and developing customer relationships.
- Demonstrate high attention to detail.
- Ability to work with diverse groups.
- Ability to influence at all levels within the organization.
The Opportunity and Challenge
This position will provide a talented individual with the opportunity to make a significant impact on a dynamic, growing, and profitable organization in a transformation stage.
Outstanding performance in this position will lead to continued professional growth and increased responsibility within the organization.
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