Vice President of Operations

About Dunmore International Corp:

Acquired by Steel Partners in February 2018 as part of the Diversified Industrial Segment, Dunmore manufactures innovative technical films for Aerospace, Automotive, Commercial Graphics, Packaging applications. Dunmore has deep expertise in novel coatings, films and multi-layer laminates based on 14,000 unique chemistries and constructions, and significant experience in handling foils, plastics and fabrics. As a trusted Industry partner for over 50 years, Dunmore collaborates with customers in high growth markets to design, develop and manufacture a range of highly engineered value-added product solutions. Dunmore clients include several Fortune 500 companies across 25 countries and is a Gold Level Supplier to one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers. Dunmore's mission is to delight its customers through technical innovation, high levels of service and open collaboration to solve difficult application problems.

Summary

The Vice President of Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing all aspects of Dunmore's manufacturing operations. This role drives a culture of Kaizen and Lean principles, ensuring continuous improvement in safety, quality, efficiency, and cost reduction. The VP of Operations will balance scaling production, operational efficiency, and digital transformation to support Dunmore's growth objectives. This leader will also play a critical role in succession planning, employee engagement, and leadership development to build a high-performing operations team.

Using servant style leadership, the successful candidate will lead, engage, and develop the Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering functions and is responsible for developing and implementing related strategies and activities to support the delivery of the company goals. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, this individual deploys HR policies and initiatives to enhance overall company performance; and to create a culture of continuous improvement. The VP of Operation inspires shared vision, enables others to act, develops personnel, & models our core values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and implement Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives to drive efficiency and waste reduction.
• Champion Kaizen methodologies, engaging frontline employees to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Optimize overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), utilization, and inventory management to improve operational performance.
• Ensure on-time and in-full (OTIF) delivery performance aligns with customer expectations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine SIOP (Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning) processes.

Leadership & Culture Development

• Engage directly with the production floor to cultivate a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Support HR with leadership development and succession planning programs to strengthen the operations team.
• Promote employee engagement initiatives that drive retention and job satisfaction.
• Model Dunmore's core values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, and Commitment.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure a safety-first culture by embedding safety as a core operational value.
• Maintain full compliance with OSHA, environmental, and industry regulations.
• Drive proactive safety initiatives and lead incident prevention strategies.

Technology & Digital Transformation

• Heavily support Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), AI-based solutions, and real-time analytics for process optimization.
• Implement data-driven decision-making to enhance operational efficiency.
• Partner with IT and engineering teams to modernize automation and workflow processes.

Financial & Cost Optimization

• Drive cost reduction initiatives through Kaizen projects and process improvements.
• Optimize working capital by improving inventory turns and cash flow.
• Ensure CAPEX investments align with strategic goals for efficiency and scalability.

Additional Leadership Responsibilities:

• Supports company agenda by participating in meetings and activities, participating in customer visits and audits, contributing to team efforts, and providing additional support to Company, as necessary to meet departmental and corporate needs.
• Maintains company reputation and improves company profile in desired markets by participating in various trade/industry groups; by promoting Dunmore as experts in industry; by complying with government regulation, preserving proprietary information, and by representing the Company in a professional manner.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by enhancing leadership and technical skills.
  
  
  

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Safety performance (incident rates, near misses)
• On-Time & In-Full Delivery (OTIF)
• Utilization rates
• Inventory turns and dollar reductions
• Cost savings through Kaizen and Lean initiatives

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.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:

• Strategic Thinker: Ability to balance long-term vision with day-to-day execution.
• Hands-On Leader: Actively engages with employees at all levels, especially on the production floor.
• Innovative & Tech-Savvy: Embraces technology to drive operational efficiency.
• Data-Driven Decision Maker: Uses metrics and analytics to guide improvements.
• Collaborative & Transparent: Works cross-functionally to align goals and initiatives.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• Five (5) years of operations leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of MES, automation, and digital manufacturing technologies.
• Track record of developing high-performing teams and fostering leadership growth.
• Deep experience in safety leadership and regulatory compliance.

Physical Demands - OFFICE / TRAVEL

• Standing/Sitting: 50/50%
• Walking/Bending/Stooping: 50/5/5%
• Lifting Requirements:25 pounds
• Travel by air, rail, auto (10% of time)
• Work in manufacturing area, QA lab and office areas
• Exposures - Odors, Fumes, Noise, Chemicals, Temperature, Vision strain, Moving parts.

Dunmore International Corp. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Dunmore makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, business needs at the time.