We seek a proactive leader with a proven track record in high-product-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving organization. This individual will act as a change agent, fostering innovation, operational efficiency, and a culture of continuous improvement.

The Director of Operations will lead and manage critical operational functions, including production, supply chain, material management, quality assurance, production scheduling, safety, and maintenance. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can develop robust operational strategies, build high-performing teams, and drive measurable performance improvements while ensuring the highest safety and quality standards.  This role requires a forward-thinking leader who enjoys complex, dynamic environments and can balance strategic vision with a hands-on approach to operational challenges.  With a proven ability to foster collaboration, the successful candidate will inspire urgency and accountability while developing solutions that ensure sustainable success. The DOO should have the confidence to tackle tough issues with optimism and a commitment to excellence.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and oversee the company's operational strategy to achieve short-term and long-term manufacturing, supply chain, and quality control goals.
• Drive consistency and standardization across all departments by implementing and maintaining industry best practices, including lean manufacturing, 5S, and Operational Excellence tools.
• Serve as a hands-on leader, directly engaging with teams to identify challenges, remove barriers, and implement solutions.
• Actively participate in the company's strategic planning process, providing insight and leadership to execute a comprehensive five-year roadmap.
• Define clear objectives for operational departments supported by detailed budgets, timelines, and performance metrics.
• Monitor performance against operating plans, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions.
• Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing operations team capable of meeting the company's growth requirements and goals.
• Create robust cross-training and professional development plans to ensure bench strength and flexibility in operations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning, serving as a role model for leadership excellence.
• Lead initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety and quality through lean principles and data-driven decision-making.
• Champion RCCM (Root Cause Counter Measure), effective problem-solving, and workplace organization to address operational challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Utilize metrics and KPIs to assess operational health, identify opportunities, and implement sustainable improvements.
• Ensure optimal resource allocation through effective capacity planning and asset utilization.
• Manage and oversee production schedules to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to maintain alignment on operational priorities and organizational goals.
• Establish and maintain robust quality assurance processes to meet customer and regulatory standards.
• Ensure all operations comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Engineering degree preferred
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in operational leadership roles, preferably in high-product-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.
• Strong mechanical knowledge and expertise in manufacturing processes and production systems.
• Demonstrated success in driving quality, cost-efficiency, and safety improvements through process optimization and team leadership.
• Experience utilizing and improving ERP systems to enhance operational efficiency.
• Experience in scaling operations during periods of rapid growth.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher).
• Strong strategic planning and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence and engage cross-functional teams.
• Expertise in implementing lean principles, operational excellence tools, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams, fostering accountability and professional growth.
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills with a results-driven mindset.
• A history of delivering both short-term and long-term business results.
• A passion for fostering a positive work environment and developing future leaders.
• A focus on implementing operational excellence tools and methodologies to drive continuous improvement.

About Versique:

At Versique, we believe people are more than a resume. People invent, propel, unearth, and build. They transform teams, markets, industries, and bottom lines. People do more than fill an open position. They open greater potential. We're here to help fill your human potential and build your human capacity. The Versique brand represents a powerful combination of "versatile" and "unique," hinting at the concept of "search" in its pronunciation.

In 2023, Versique made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal's Fast 50 list for fastest-growing private companies in Minnesota. Additionally, for the past four years, Versique has been recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace and awarded a Best Place to Work in 2022 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, which speaks to the incredible culture we've fostered.

We believe people are the ultimate business advantage. Let's find your people together. And make the best possible.

Versique is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

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