Director of Operations (York)

The COO serves as the chief executive leader of the organization, responsible for setting strategic direction, ensuring operational excellence, and driving profitable growth across multiple manufacturing operations. This role oversees all functional areas—including operations, finance, sales, and HR—and ensures strong alignment between day‑to‑day execution and long‑term company objectives. The COO fosters a culture focused on safety, quality, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the company’s strategic plan to ensure long‑term growth, profitability, and competitive positioning.
• Identify new market opportunities, product lines, and operational capabilities to expand the company’s footprint.
• Translate high-level objectives into measurable goals for each department.

Operational Management

• Oversee daily performance of all manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, safety, and delivery targets are met.
• Implement and sustain best‑in‑class manufacturing practices (Lean, 5S, continuous improvement).
• Optimize capacity planning, resource allocation, equipment utilization, and workflow.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, safety, and customer requirements.

Financial Stewardship

• Own the company P&L and ensure strong financial performance.
• Develop annual budgets, financial forecasts, and capital expenditure plans.
• Analyze financial performance and adjust business strategies to achieve revenue and margin targets.
• Approve major investments and capital projects based on ROI and strategic fit.

People Leadership & Culture

• Lead, mentor, and develop the executive/management team across operations, sales, finance, and HR.
• Build a strong leadership bench and succession pipeline.
• Champion a positive, high‑performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the company attracts, retains, and engages top talent at all levels.

Customer & Market Engagement

• Maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, and business partners.
• Support major customer negotiations, pricing strategies, and contract discussions.
• Monitor market trends, competitive changes, and customer requirements.

Risk Management & Governance

• Identify and mitigate operational, financial, and strategic risks.
• Ensure the organization adheres to ethical standards, compliance obligations, and industry best practices.
• Provide regular performance updates and strategic recommendations to the Board/owners.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, or related field.
• 10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, including multi‑operation responsibility.
• Experience scaling operations, driving continuous improvement, and leading organizational change.

Key Competencies

• Strong strategic thinker with hands‑on operational management capabilities.
• Financial acumen with the ability to interpret and act on complex business metrics.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to build trust, inspire teams, and manage through change.
• Customer‑focused mindset with strong commercial awareness.