Director of Manufacturing Operations (10+ yrs of Manufacturing Leadership required).

Director of Manufacturing Operations Center Rock Inc. is a leading provider of pneumatic drilling tools, ancillary products, and drilling rigs. The company designs, manufactures, distributes, and services a best-in-class line of downhole rock drilling tools and accessories, serving customers in the construction, mining, utility, and energy industries. With over 25 years of experience, Center Rock has become an expert in designing cutting-edge drilling solutions and is the world leader in canister drill technology. The Director of Manufacturing Operations will serve as a hands-on leader and a trusted partner to the CEO, responsible for translating business strategy into operational execution while leading all manufacturing operational activities across Center Rock's facilities. The ideal candidate is a proven operations leader with experience in metal fabrication environments involving machining, welding, and related processes. This individual has successfully driven operational improvements, built high-performing teams, and delivered measurable business results through disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on value creation. Key Responsibilities Provide leadership for all manufacturing, production, planning, quality, maintenance, and operational activities across Center Rock's facilities. Partner closely with the CEO to develop and execute operational strategies that support growth, profitability, and long-term value creation. Translate strategic initiatives into measurable operational objectives, ensuring accountability, execution, and alignment across the organization. Lead all aspects of plant operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining exceptional quality and customer service. Develop and execute operational improvement initiatives focused on productivity, throughput, inventory management, lead times, quality, and on-time delivery. Drive Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization. Establish operational KPIs and reporting dashboards to monitor plant performance, identify trends, and drive accountability across the business. Develop annual operating plans, operating budgets, capital investment strategies, and long-range capacity planning initiatives that support business objectives while maximizing return on invested capital. Partner closely with Finance to improve manufacturing cost structure, inventory management, working capital, cash flow, overhead absorption, and EBITDA performance through data-driven operational decision making. Build, coach, and develop a high-performing operations leadership team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Personally own the activity of ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, ISO, and regulatory requirements while promoting a world-class safety culture. Collaborate with Engineering, Sales, Customer Service, Procurement, and Finance to align operational capabilities with customer requirements and company objectives. Present operational performance, key metrics, strategic initiatives, capital projects, and business risks to the key stakeholders at in-person meetings and electronically. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business, or related field. 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including experience leading multi-site manufacturing operations. Demonstrated success being a hands-on leader that can work with the production team to drive operational improvements and business performance. Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives. Experience managing ERP/MRP systems and utilizing operational data to drive decision-making. Proven ability to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, customer service, inventory performance, and overall p…

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