What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Operations position at Kaspar Companies?
Kaspar Outdoors
Job Description: Director of Operations
Opportunities:
- Are you results driven and excel at leading manufacturing, assembly and operational activities?
- Can you ensure operational execution in alignment with customer expectations, quality standards, and continuous improvement goals?
- Does working for a family-centric organization based in a small-town environment appeal to you?
- Do the values of stewardship, versatility, and family resonate strongly with you?
- Do you find the improvement of people’s lives through stewardship of God-given resources inspiring?
Then, Kaspar Outdoors is for you!
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Director of Operations to lead manufacturing, assembly, and operational activities for Bryan, TX facility. This role is responsible for ensuring operational execution in alignment with customer expectations, quality standards, and continuous improvement goals. The ideal candidate has strong experience in lean manufacturing, team development, and vendor coordination in a high-precision or outdoor product environment.
Key Responsibilities
Site Operations Leadership:
- Oversee and coordinate manufacturing operations for the Bryan facility.
- Monitor and drive KPIs across throughput, quality, on-time delivery, and labor productivity.
- Identify and remove bottlenecks in daily execution while reinforcing accountability at all levels.
Production Execution & Scheduling:
- Ensure production lines are properly staffed, scheduled, and are executing according to production plans.
- Coordinate closely with the engineering and planning teams to align on priorities and changeovers.
- Help develop and enforce visual management tools and production boards to maintain team focus.
Lean & Continuous Improvement:
- Champion lean practices, standard work, and 6S on the shop floor.
- Lead Kaizen events to improve flow, reduce waste, and increase consistency.
- Support implementation of quality control checks and visual defect standards.
Team Leadership:
- Directly manage production supervisors and support cross-functional collaboration with engineering, purchasing, and Stiller production team in Shiner, TX.
- Train, coach, and mentor team members to build skills and promote internal advancement.
- Cultivate a culture of ownership, safety, and pride in craftsmanship.
Vendor & Material Coordination:
- Work with purchasing and supply chain teams to ensure material readiness and proactive vendor engagement.
- Assist in local vendor relationships related to finishing, coatings, and rapid-turn components.
Systems & Reporting:
- Ensure accurate ERP transactions, A&D Book compliance, and work order close-outs.
- Track daily/weekly performance dashboards and present updates in staff and leadership meetings.
Qualifications:
- 5–7 years of experience in operations, manufacturing, or supply chain leadership roles.
- Experience in firearms, outdoor products, or other precision manufacturing environments preferred.
- Proficient in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methods.
- Comfortable using ERP systems; familiarity with Syteline a plus.
- Proven ability to lead hourly teams, production supervisors, and coordinate cross-functionally.
Preferred Competencies:
- Action-oriented with strong follow-through and practical problem-solving skills.
- Committed to building a healthy team culture and developing frontline leaders.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, flexible environment with evolving product lines.
- Passion for outdoor products, shooting sports, or craftsmanship-based industries.
Physical Requirements:
- Extended periods of sitting and/or walking (33% – 50% of time)
- Stooping, bending, twisting, leaning (10% – 25% of time)
- Lifting of 40 lbs. occasionally (0% – 33% of time)
Work Environment:
- Typically, inside a climate-controlled office and is required to occasionally move from office to manufacturing areas and outdoors to perform duties.
- May be exposed to manufacturing environment where the use and wear of proper protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses or side shields on glasses and closed toe shoes, are mandatory.