Apply for the Director of Operations position
Director of Operations
We have been retained by a growing, privately held U.S. manufacturer to find a driven, hands-on Director of Operations to lead daily manufacturing, scale global operations, and drive continuous improvement through Toyota Production System (TPS) principles. This is a pivotal opportunity to step into a key leadership role and shape the future of an expanding business.
Location: Bryan, Texas (Relocation assistance available)
Compensation: $140,000 – $155,000 base salary + performance-based bonus + comprehensive benefits package
About the Company This manufacturer is a leader in high-precision components used in critical applications across industries like aerospace, energy, and advanced materials. With a track record of innovation, an international footprint, and a deeply values-driven culture, they are entering a new phase of growth, scaling both domestically and abroad.
The organization prioritizes clarity, structure, and excellence on the shop floor. Its facilities are clean, organized, and run by people who are respected and held to high expectations. As they continue to grow, they are seeking a Director of Operations who can align people, processes, and performance while preparing the company for future expansion.Your Mission This isn’t just about sustaining operations. You’ll be building the systems and culture needed to take a complex, technical operation to the next level. You’ll lead daily operations—machining, molding, scheduling, engineering, and more—while owning operational P&L, developing leadership at every level, and driving bottom-line improvement.
This role offers a clear path to VP of Operations, especially as the company builds new sites in the U.S. and internationally. You’ll collaborate closely with an executive team that values initiative, straight talk, and real impact.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead a cross-functional manufacturing operation including supervisors, engineers, and technical leads
- Implement and coach lean/TPS tools: takt time, kaizen, visual management, and standard work
- Manage budgets and drive profitability for a ~$30M P&L
- Assess team capabilities and work with HR on reassignments, performance plans, or external hiring
- Guide new product introduction and process qualification
- Standardize operational systems across U.S. and offshore teams
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, and supply chain to meet customer expectations
- Prepare the company for long-term expansion through scalable systems and leadership development
Ideal Candidate:
- 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
- Deep exposure to machining and engineered product manufacturing (molding, metals, testing)
- Engineering degree (required); strong analytical and problem-solving mindset
- Hands-on lean/TPS experience with proven cultural and performance impact
- Experience managing operational P&L and cross-functional teams
- Comfortable in both high-level strategic planning and daily shop-floor presence
- Strong communication skills and ability to give candid, constructive feedback
- Exposure to international operations and regulated manufacturing (ITAR, AS9100, etc.)
Why This Role If you’re looking to move beyond maintenance-mode management and into transformational leadership, this role offers the autonomy, authority, and runway to do it. You’ll help define the culture of a high-performance organization and directly shape its growth trajectory in the U.S. and abroad.
Location Advantage: Bryan–College Station, TX Located midway between Houston and Austin, Bryan–College Station offers a unique mix of small-town charm and university-town amenities. Home to Texas A&M University, the region boasts a highly educated workforce, great schools, modern conveniences (yes, even a new Costco!), and a strong sense of community. With low cost of living and minimal traffic, it’s a great place to put down roots.
To explore this opportunity confidentially, please apply now.