Director of Operations

Job Description

The Director of Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing all aspects of the manufacturing operations, including production, supply chain, logistics, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role drives operational excellence, ensures alignment with strategic goals, and delivers measurable improvements in productivity, cost, quality, and delivery. The ideal candidate brings a strong leadership presence, data-driven decision-making, and a hands-on, collaborative approach.

A successful candidate must be able to:

• Operational Leadership: Oversee daily manufacturing operations, ensuring production goals are met safely, on time, and within budget.
• Strategic Planning & Execution: Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement operational strategies that support company growth, efficiency, and profitability.
• Production Management: Ensure production schedules align with customer demand, inventory levels, and resource availability. Remove bottlenecks and improve throughput.
• Process Improvement: Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement initiatives. Identify and implement opportunities for cost savings, waste reduction, and process optimization.
• Supply Chain & Materials Management: Coordinate with procurement, planning, and logistics to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and outbound shipments.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Maintain and improve quality standards and compliance with relevant industry regulations (e.g., ISO, OSHA).
• People Leadership & Development: Mentor and manage a team of operations managers, supervisors, and frontline personnel. Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and high performance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, Finance, Sales, HR, and IT to align operational goals with broader business objectives.
• All other duties assigned.

A successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Experience in high-mix, fast-paced manufacturing environments (e.g., electronics, automotive, medical devices).
• Experience in solar inverters, battery, or energy storage system manufacturing is a strong plus.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (e.g., Green or Black Belt).
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or other relevant quality management systems.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field (master's preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs, ERP systems (e.g., SAP, NetSuite, Oracle), and operational analytics.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience managing budgets, labor planning, and capital improvement projects.

Physical Requirements:

• This position may require the ability to perform tasks that involve standing, walking, lifting 50+ lbs, bending, stooping, computer work, working with live electricity, and other physical activities. Candidates should be able to meet these physical demands with or without reasonable accommodations.

Solar 76 Perks:

• Medical.
• Dental.
• Vision.
• Supplemental life.
• PTO.
• 401(K).
• Profit Sharing.
• Short-Term Incentive Program.
• Company-branded merchandise.
• Company-funded continued education opportunities.

EEO Statement:

• Solar 76 is an equal opportunity employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.