Director of Operations

Company Description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

The Smiths Detection Operations Director position is located in Edgewood, MD and this role is part of the Operations Leadership Team, reporting to the VP of Operations.

The Operations Director is responsible for leading and managing the production manufacturing process facility at Edgewood, including production planning, resource allocation, quality control, and cost management. Key duties include overseeing production teams, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, optimizing efficiency, troubleshooting issues, and driving continuous improvement. The role involves close collaboration with all other operations departments and reporting on production performance to senior management.

SPECIFIC DUTIES, ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Manage directly or indirectly a group of approximately 60 employees including the development and successful implementation of a labor strategy.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the production process, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and deadlines are met.
• Supervise, train, and develop production staff, ensuring a high level of performance and motivation.
• Oversee the allocation of raw materials, equipment, and labor to ensure efficient production flows.
• Develop and implement production schedules to meet customer demand and optimize manufacturing timelines.
• Ensure products meet or exceed quality standards and conduct regular inspections to maintain consistency.
• Monitor and manage production budgets, reduce costs, and minimize waste while maintaining product quality.
• Enforce health, safety, and environmental regulations to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
• Identify areas for process improvement and lead initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce costs, including implementing Lean or Six Sigma practices along with other operations work streams.
• Work closely with other departments (e.g., supply chain, manufacturing engineering, quality, safety) to address issues and streamline processes.
• Maintain production records, generate performance reports, and provide updates to senior management on production status and challenges.
• Address production-related issues or disruptions quickly to minimize downtime and maintain operational efficiency.
• Strong focus on 5S, lean principles, and continuous improvement.
• Control production budgets, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure cost-effective operations without compromising quality.
• Integrate tools to continuously improve process yields, reducing costs of poor quality and driving shop floor productivity.

Qualifications

Education/Training: 

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Management or related discipline.  MBA or Master’s Degree in a Technical field is preferred.
• APICS certification (CPIM) desirable.
• Certifications such as Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt), Lean Manufacturing, or Project Management Professional (PMP) can be a plus.      

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Minimum 10 years of closely related experience in manufacturing operations with a strong background in operations, quality and/or materials management.
  Minimum 7 years of experience operating in a CI / Lean Manufacturing environment.
• Experience with consolidating multi-building / multi-site facilities.
• Experience working in a Union environment.
  Experience interfacing with internal and external customers strongly desired.
• Prefer detailed work experience in at least 3 of the following areas: Manufacturing/Assembly. Operations, Quality, Engineering (Design or Manufacturing), Materials/Procurement Customer interfacing experience.
• Sound knowledge of advanced manufacturing.

Leadership Competencies:

• Ability to align production strategies with business goals.
• Making informed, timely choices under pressure.
• Leading, motivating, and collaborating with production teams.
• Clear communication with all stakeholders.
• Quick resolution of production issues to minimize downtime.
• Leading teams through process or technological changes.
• Addressing and resolving team conflicts effectively.
• Focused on meeting production targets and driving improvements.
• Continuously seeking ways to enhance processes and quality.
• Adjusting leadership approaches to changing needs.
• Coaching and developing team members for growth.             

Background: This position requires a U.S. Personal Security Clearance. Applicant must be a U.S. person.

SDI is a Federal Contractor and a drug-free workplace. By submitting an application, I confirm that I understand that the Company has a right to require me to submit to a drug test prior to employment and at any time during my employment, to the extent permitted by law.

Additional Information

We offer…

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Equal Employment Opportunity PostersIf you’d like to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan or policy statement, please email [email protected].

The compensation for this position ranges from $126,895 - $190,343/yr and will vary depending on factors such as your location, skills, job-related knowledge, and experience. The compensation package includes incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary annual bonus or commissions. Smiths Detection provides comprehensive benefits including healthcare, 401K savings plan, company holidays, vacation, sick time, parental leave and an employee assistance program. Eligibility requirements apply.

If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail [email protected] or call toll-free 877-703-1029. This email and phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Smiths Detection, Inc. participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)