Director of Manufacturing Operations

Director of Manufacturing Operations Location: Greater Nashville, TN; 100% onsite (Relocation assistance is available) Salary: $180,000-$200,000+ (DOE) Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Life, 401k w/ matching, PTO, Holidays Job Type: Full-Time Typical hours: M-F, 8 AM – 5 PM Start Date: ASAP Relocation assistance is available Director of Manufacturing Operations Description Our client, a chemical manufacturer serving the aerospace, mining, and oil & gas industries, is seeking a Director of Manufacturing Operations to join their team (<150 company-wide) in the Nashville area. You'll oversee daily operations across multiple local production facilities while helping execute the company's long-term strategic objectives. While experience in chemical manufacturing is beneficial, they’re ultimately seeking a hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic environment where priorities shift, multiple product lines compete for resources, and effective communication and execution are critical to success. The ideal candidate understands how to effectively lead at every level of the organization, from the production floor to the executive leadership team, while balancing strategic priorities with day-to-day operational execution. Whether you are looking for greater visibility and impact or are coming from a larger organization and seeking the opportunity to influence a business on a more personal scale, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful contribution to a stable, growing company with a diverse product portfolio and loyal customer base. Director of Manufacturing Operations Responsibilities • Oversee operations for all business units (5 Direct/80 Indirect) • Develop and execute strategic plans to improve profitability and productivity • Apply continuous improvement principles to enhance operations • Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards including ISO • Evaluate, document, and enhance processes that lead to increased efficiency • Establish individual performance plans and ongoing education initiatives • Champion a safety-first culture with emphasis on quality and production • Create and oversee budgets while ensuring cost controls • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions • Partner with ELT to recommend process improvements that drive business goals • Foster a service-minded, collaborative environment rooted in accountability Director of Manufacturing Operations Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree required • Current experience in an ISO-certified environment required • 10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience within manufacturing • Heavy industrial, aerospace, or chemical manufacturing experience required • Metrics-driven leader with experience leveraging KPIs and data to drive performance