What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Operations position at Schnellecke Logistics USA?
About the Company - The Schnellecke Group is an internationally active family business that offers a variety of logistics services (3PL). One focus is on value-added logistics for the automotive industry. The areas of logistics and production cover essential parts of the supply chain for companies all over the world. The portfolio is rounded off by the planning and construction of logistics properties by Schnellecke Real Estate and our innovative training and recruitment services as part of CREATBLUE.
We develop overall concepts that range from transport and warehousing to pre-assembly and value-added services to the sequential production of individual parts and modules and container-compatible packaging. In addition, we manufacture individual body parts and assemblies for vehicle construction under the KWD Automotive umbrella brand.
As a further service, brighten, a joint venture between Schnellecke and brighten S.A., offers comprehensive business and technology consulting.
Efficient logistics solutions worldwide | Schnellecke Logistics - Schnellecke
The Director of Operations is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing and optimizing the logistics, supply chain, and management functions in a fast-paced, customer-centric environment. This individual will lead with a strong emphasis on building and empowering high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate is a results-driven, servant leader with a proven track record of team building, process improvement, and operational success in the logistics and manufacturing industries.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Lead daily operations ensuring efficient and seamless execution.
- Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business goals and customer demands.
- Implement Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
- Monitor KPIs to ensure performance targets are met or exceeded, with a focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Team Building and Leadership
- Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing, collaborative team to achieve business objectives.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and empowerment at all organizational levels.
- Act as a role model for servant leadership, demonstrating active listening, empathy, and effective communication.
- Develop talent through coaching, training, and succession planning initiatives.
Customer Satisfaction
- Drive a customer-first culture by ensuring operations consistently meet or exceed customer expectations.
- Collaborate with internal teams to understand customer needs and proactively address challenges.
- Implement processes to improve service levels, reduce lead times, and enhance overall customer satisfaction metrics.
Strategic Planning and Execution
- Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and operational plans to support business growth and profitability.
- Identify and evaluate new technologies, processes, and tools to optimize the supply chain and manufacturing processes.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives to drive alignment between operations and other departments.
Safety and Compliance
- Ensure strict compliance with all regulatory, safety, and environmental standards.
- Champion a safety-first culture by implementing robust safety programs and practices across all operations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree (MBA) preferred.
- 10 years of progressive experience in logistics, supply chain, and/or manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Proven expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams.
- Exceptional focus on customer satisfaction, with a track record of improving service levels and meeting customer demands.
- Solid financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
- Experience with ERP systems, supply chain technologies, and data-driven decision-making.
Key Competencies and Skills
- Leadership Excellence: Proven ability to lead teams with a collaborative and servant leadership approach.
- Customer-Centric Mindset: Demonstrates a relentless focus on understanding and exceeding customer expectations.
- Operational Expertise: In-depth knowledge of logistics, supply chain, and manufacturing best practices.
- Team Building: Strong ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent while fostering a positive, high-performing culture.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to think critically and drive solutions to complex operational challenges.
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organization.
- Change Management: Skilled in leading teams through organizational transformations and driving buy-in for new initiatives.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a dynamic, fast-growing organization dedicated to operational excellence and customer satisfaction. We value leaders who are passionate about empowering teams, innovating processes, and delivering exceptional results for our customers. We have Opportunities in AL / TN / SC and other regions.
Schnellecke Logistics is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.