What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Operations position at Automatic Pool Covers, Inc?
Position Title: Director of Operations
Position Purpose
The Director of Operations is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of manufacturing operations, including production, engineering, and quality control. This role ensures efficient processes, high-quality output, and alignment with strategic business objectives. The Director plays a critical role in developing operational plans, managing teams, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to fulfill the essential duties listed below. These responsibilities are not exhaustive and may evolve based on organizational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
Primary Responsibilities
Lead and oversee all manufacturing processes to ensure optimal production output and efficiency.
Manage the product development lifecycle from concept through production.
Qualify and manage the supplier base to ensure high-quality incoming materials.
Collaborate with the Impact Team to contribute to strategic planning and execution.
Research, evaluate, and approve capital equipment purchases.
Manage implementation and updates of manufacturing software systems.
Champion lean manufacturing principles to optimize workflows and reduce waste.
Oversee external manufacturing and engineering contracts and partnerships.
Lead the product certification process, ensuring regulatory and compliance standards are met.
Communicate technical information clearly to the Dealer Support Department.
Approve expenditures related to materials and departmental needs.
Develop, implement, and maintain corrective and preventive action programs.
Create and enforce quality control policies and continuous improvement practices.
Secondary Responsibilities
Conduct job site visits to assess product performance in the field.
Review and approve engineering and manufacturing documentation.
Provide technical guidance on complex engineering and production challenges.
Oversee the mechanical and electrical design processes.
Participate in departmental budgeting and financial planning.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Lead, train, and manage the performance of direct reports across the Manufacturing and Engineering teams.
Establish departmental goals and evaluate performance against KPIs.
Mentor and develop staff to foster growth and support succession planning.
Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field is required.
Minimum of 8 years’ experience in a management role within a manufacturing and engineering environment.
Valid driver’s license required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Advanced knowledge of JobOps or equivalent ERP software.
Strong understanding of engineering design tools and measurement equipment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proven negotiation and decision-making abilities.
Effective time management and organizational skills.
Strong leadership qualities with the ability to motivate and develop team members.
Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills.
Initiative and creativity in improving product quality and operational efficiency.
Exceptional customer service orientation.
Flexibility to work additional hours or weekends when needed.
Physical Demands
Ability to alternate between sitting and standing for extended periods in office and manufacturing environments.
Clear vision, color perception, and manual dexterity for handling documents and data input.
Strong auditory skills for effective communication.
Occasional exposure to warehouse, manufacturing, and outdoor environments.
