Director of Operations - Manufacturing

Integrated Human Capital is seeking a highly accomplished Director of Operations to lead all manufacturing and operational activities for a leading production facility located in South San Antonio, TX.This position will oversee multiple departments including Production, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering with responsibility for ensuring operational excellence across all performance areas: safety, quality, delivery, cost, and culture.The ideal candidate brings a proven record of success in large-scale, high-volume manufacturing, particularly within the automotive, heavy equipment, or industrial sectors. They must possess a deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles, process optimization, workforce development, and financial performance management.This individual will serve as a key strategic partner to executive leadership, driving the transformation of manufacturing systems, elevating plant performance, and ensuring sustainable growth.Primary Responsibilities1. Operational LeadershipDirect daily manufacturing operations, ensuring seamless coordination between Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Engineering functions.Establish and maintain production schedules that meet customer delivery expectations while maximizing efficiency and minimizing downtime.Implement and monitor standardized work processes to ensure operational consistency, equipment reliability, and workforce productivity.Lead safety and compliance initiatives, ensuring full adherence to OSHA, EPA, and other applicable regulations.Evaluate and enhance manufacturing systems to strengthen scalability, flexibility, and responsiveness to market demand.2. Strategic Planning and ExecutionDevelop and execute annual operating plans aligned with corporate goals, including production targets, cost savings, and capital improvement initiatives.Lead long-range planning for capacity, technology investments, and workforce requirements.Collaborate with senior leadership to identify and prioritize opportunities for growth, new product introduction, and operational innovation.Oversee and approve capital expenditure projects to ensure strategic alignment and ROI.3. Continuous Improvement & Lean TransformationServe as the primary advocate for Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies throughout the facility.Lead Kaizen events, 5S implementation, and value-stream mapping to identify waste, improve material flow, and enhance line balancing.Establish measurable KPIs tied to operational performance, such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), FPY (First Pass Yield), scrap rates, and downtime reduction.Foster a problem-solving culture that emphasizes root-cause analysis, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable corrective action.4. People Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentBuild and mentor a high-performing leadership team across all departments.Establish clear performance expectations, development plans, and succession pathways for future leaders.Drive a positive, collaborative, and results-oriented culture centered on accountability, respect, and engagement.Partner with Human Resources to develop workforce strategies that support retention, diversity, and leadership development.Ensure effective communication and alignment across all shifts and departments.5. Quality, Safety, and ComplianceEnsure all operations meet or exceed internal quality standards and customer specifications.Lead initiatives to improve product quality through process discipline, operator training, and supplier performance management.Maintain a zero-incident safety culture through proactive hazard identification, safety training, and leadership engagement on the floor.Oversee environmental compliance, ensuring responsible handling and reporting of all regulated materials.6. Financial & Performance ManagementDevelop and manage annual operating and capital budgets.Monitor performance metrics daily, weekly, and monthly; analyze variances and lead action plans for improvement.Identify opportunities for cost reduction through productivity enhancements, automation, and vendor optimization.Ensure alignment between operational performance and financial objectives, maintaining profitability targets and margin control.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Business Administration, or related discipline required.Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Operations/Engineering Management) strongly preferred.Minimum 10–15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing multi-departmental plant operations.Proven success managing high-volume, complex manufacturing environments—preferably within automotive, heavy equipment, or industrial component manufacturing.Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and Quality Management Systems.Strong financial literacy with experience in cost analysis, budget planning, and capital management.Advanced communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills capable of influencing across all levels of the organization.High emotional intelligence, professional maturity, and demonstrated ability to lead through change.Core CompetenciesStrategic and Analytical ThinkingContinuous Improvement LeadershipOperations and Project ManagementFinancial and Business AcumenOrganizational Development and Talent LeadershipQuality, Safety, and Regulatory ComplianceChange Management and Process Innovation