Director of Operations at Vibram Group

The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the manufacturing operations, ensuring efficient production, adherence to quality standards, continuous improvement, and a safe working environment. This role involves strategic planning, operational execution, and leadership across production, supply chain, quality assurance, and logistics. The Director of Operations will work closely with senior leadership to align operational goals with company objectives, drive profitability, and enhance operational efficiency.

LOCATION: North Brookfield, MA

SALARY: $125,000-$135,000 annually

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

1. Operational Leadership: Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring smooth execution of production schedules, optimal resource utilization, and adherence to operational goals.
2. Strategic Planning: Develop and implement long-term operational strategies that align with company goals, including capacity planning, workforce management, and technology integration.
3. Continuous Improvement

   Lead continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., lean manufacturing, Six Sigma) to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall productivity.

   
   

4. Budget & Cost Management: Manage operational budgets, analyze costs, and implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality or safety standards.
5. Production Planning: Ensure production schedules are met by coordinating with procurement, supply chain, and production teams, while maintaining high-quality standards.
6. Supply Chain Management: Collaborate with supply chain teams to ensure the timely delivery of materials and components, while maintaining optimal inventory levels and supplier performance.
7. Quality Assurance: Implement and oversee quality control processes to ensure that products meet the required specifications and standards.
8. Safety & Compliance: Ensure that all manufacturing operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations, and promote a strong culture of workplace safety.
9. Team Leadership

   Lead and mentor department managers and production staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Identify skill gaps, and implement training programs to enhance team capabilities.

   
   

10. Performance Monitoring: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) across all areas of operations, analyzing performance and implementing corrective actions as needed. Communicate output to senior leadership and relevant teams.
11. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with departments such as Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, HR, and Finance to align operations with broader business objectives.
12. Technology Integration: Identify and implement new technologies and automation solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency and competitiveness.
13. Customer Focus: Ensure that operational processes support timely delivery and customer satisfaction by maintaining high standards of quality and responsiveness.
14. Perform other similar duties as responsibilities necessitate or as requested by supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Plant Management

· Safety

· Continuous Improvement

· Production Planning & Scheduling

· Shipping & Receiving

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Proven track record of driving operational improvements and managing large teams.
• Experience with ERP systems and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and operational costs.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read; analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest commissions, proportions, percentages, area circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

· Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data, uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures.

· Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations, uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

· Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations, responses promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meet commitments.

· Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others; ideas and tries new things.

· Oral and Written Communication – Speaks and writes clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responses well to questions, demonstrates group presentation skills, participates in meetings.

· Teamwork – balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others; views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.

· Ethics – Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.

· Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; develops realistic action plans.

· Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality

· Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.

· Quantity – Meets productivity standards; completes work in timely manner; strives to increase productivity; works quickly.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

COMPUTER SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of

· SAP S/4HANA

· Microsoft Office

Vibram is a growth company looking for team members to grow with it. Vibram offers a generous total rewards package, a casual work environment and a collaborative atmosphere for professional development.

Vibram is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.