Director of Operations
Pelican Products, Inc.We're Hiring: Director Of Operations Location: Torrance, CA Company: Pelican Products, Inc. Who We Are At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world’s toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been a trusted partner for military personnel, first responders, outdoor adventurers, and innovators who push the limits. With a global presence that includes 11 offices, 4 manufacturing facilities, and 4 custom case centers, we create high-performance protective solutions that ensure our customers can focus on what matters most. Whether it’s transporting critical medical supplies, securing mission-essential equipment, or keeping expedition gear safe, Pelican products are Built to Protect to Equip for the Mission. At Pelican, your work has a real-world impact. You’ll be part of a team driven by innovation, craftsmanship, and the shared belief that when the mission is critical, failure isn’t an option. If you’re ready to build something that makes a difference, be part of a team that protects what matters most. What You'll Do: Lead manufacturing operations across all shifts, build strong leadership teams, and improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost. Partner across the business to meet customer commitments, strengthen operational performance, and support long-term growth. Direct manufacturing and related operations across all shifts, ensuring alignment with business priorities, production plans, and customer commitments. Establish operating priorities, standard work, and management systems that support consistent performance. Develop and execute operational strategies that support site objectives and long-term business goals. Manage capacity planning, labor requirements, materials, staffing, and resource allocation to meet production needs. Coach and develop Operations Managers, Supervisors, Team Leads, and production teams while building leadership capability and succession plans. Monitor key performance indicators, identify performance gaps, and lead root cause analysis and corrective actions. Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives. Partner with Planning, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, HR, and other functions to improve execution and resolve operational challenges. Manage operating budgets and performance, including labor efficiency, overtime, scrap, cost reduction, and resource utilization. Support capital planning, equipment improvements, and automation initiatives to improve productivity and operational capability. Lead operational changes and transformation initiatives while maintaining employee engagement and accountability. Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, quality requirements, and applicable regulations. Communicate site performance, risks, and improvement opportunities to senior leadership. What We’re Looking For: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field required; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. 10+ years of progressive manufacturing and operations leadership experience, including multi-shift operations and leadership through managers and supervisors in a complex manufacturing environment. Demonstrated success managing safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, productivity, and customer service in high-volume manufacturing. Experience developing high-performing teams, coaching leaders, and building succession plans. Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Experience with capacity and labor planning, production scheduling, workforce planning, resource allocation, and performance management systems. Business and financial acumen, including operating budgets, labor costs, capital planning, and performance metrics. Experience with ERP and manufacturing systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platfo…