Business Unit Director

Job Title: Business Unit Director

Location: Onsite in Des Moines, Iowa

Salary: $130-160K plus bonus

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction for the business unit, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall goals. Develop and execute business plans that drive growth, efficiency, and operational excellence.
• Take full ownership of the unit’s Profit & Loss (P&L) statements, driving revenue growth, controlling costs, and ensuring profitability.
• Analyze market trends and competitor strategies to identify opportunities for growth and innovation. Work with senior leadership to develop and implement plans to expand the business unit’s product offerings and market share.
• Oversee daily operations of the business unit to meet production targets, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental policies while fostering a culture of sustainability.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts using LEAN or other Continuous Improvement to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Lead and mentor a diverse team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence. Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development opportunities to team members.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key customers, ensuring their needs are met with a focus on quality and timely delivery.
• Identify areas for operational improvement and lead initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and increase efficiency using lean manufacturing or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Collaborate with other departments, including finance, supply chain, engineering, and sales, to ensure smooth operations and alignment with broader company objectives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred.
• 10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with a strong track record of progressive leadership in operations and achieving business objectives.
• Custom manufacturing experience a plus.
• Prior experience scaling up a business and business unit P&L experience is required!
• Must have an understanding of how an ERP system and the importance of manufacturing layout.
• ISO9000 systems (or other third-party certification system) in manufacturing and manufacturing obligations experience.
• Manufacturing line optimization, lean environment.
• Experience with transferring a manufacturing business.
• Strategic mindset.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to drive growth, identify new market opportunities, and build scalable operational frameworks in dynamic business environments.
• Proven experience in P&L management and driving financial performance.
• Strong leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience leading initiatives using Lean or other continuous improvement methodologies to drive operational efficiency.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.