Director of Operations - MCL

The Village Companies – MCL Industries Division 

Who We Are

The Village Companies is a family-owned organization made up of multiple businesses across manufacturing services, amusement, and consumer products. Together, we design, build, and deliver innovative products and experiences enjoyed around the world. What makes us different? We combine creativity, craftsmanship, and Midwest work ethic to create things most companies only dream about.

Learn more at www.thevillage.bz.

About the MCL Industries Division

MCL Industries provides high-quality manufacturing and custom metal fabrication services for customers across a wide range of industries. Specializing in machining, fabrication, assembly, and full production runs—from prototypes to finished products—MCL partners closely with customers to deliver dependable, precision-built solutions. Our team takes pride in skilled craftsmanship, collaboration, continuous improvement, and building lasting customer relationships. 

Located in Pulaski, Wisconsin (just 25 minutes northwest of Green Bay), we’re proud to call a small-town community home—where hard work, teamwork, and having fun go hand in hand. 

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We believe work should be more than just a paycheck.

At The Village Companies, you’ll have the chance to:

• Build cool stuff Learn new skills and grow your career
• Share ideas and make an impact
• Work in a clean, safe environment
• Enjoy casual attire and real work/life balance
• Be part of a team that supports each other

We call it Happiness at Work—and we mean it.

Perks & Benefits

We generously reward hard work and initiative with a full benefits package designed to support both your career and your well-being, including:

•  Medical, Dental, Life & Disability Insurance
•  Vision Coverage
• On-site Fitness & Wellness Center
• 401(k)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Onboarding, training, and development opportunities
• Plus more great perks! 

About the Role:

The Director of Operations leads MCL’s Contract Manufacturing Services operations and is responsible for the overall performance of manufacturing as well as the materials management and quality functions supporting both of our facilities.

Reporting to the VP of Manufacturing Services and serving as a member of the MCL Leadership Team, this role provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and profitable manufacturing performance while aligning production capacity, supply chain strategy, and quality systems with customer demand and company financial objectives.

The Director of Operations leads the Operations Managers for the Assembly and Fabrication facilities, the Materials Manager responsible for procurement, planning, and inventory management, and the Quality Manager responsible for quality systems, compliance, and product integrity. This role ensures strong coordination across engineering, product integration, sales, and supply chain teams to deliver high-quality products on time while protecting margin and operational performance.

This position requires a strategic leader who can develop high-performing teams, drive operational excellence, and continuously improve the value stream to support growth in MCL’s Contract Manufacturing Services business.

Hours & Pay

Schedule: Monday–Friday office hours

Pay Range: $125,000-$160,000 annually

Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction for the Assembly and Fabrication Operations Managers to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production output.
• Ensure operational performance meets or exceeds company targets for safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
• Align production capacity with forecasted demand and customer commitments.
• Establish operational strategies that support growth in contract manufacturing services.
• Develop and execute operational plans to achieve financial objectives and margin performance.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and implement corrective actions where required.

Supply Chain and Materials Management

• Provide leadership to the Materials Manager responsible for procurement, inventory management, and production planning.
• Oversee supplier performance, cost management, and supply chain risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure appropriate inventory levels are maintained to support production while optimizing working capital.
• Support the development of supplier partnerships and sourcing strategies that improve cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Collaborate with estimating, engineering, and sales to support material requirements for new product introductions.

Production Planning and Execution

• Ensure alignment between the SIOP process, demand forecasts, and operational capacity.
• Lead operational planning for both near-term production and long-term capacity strategy.
• Resolve production constraints related to labor, materials, or equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement in scheduling accuracy and on-time delivery performance.
• Support proactive demand management and customer communication regarding production capabilities.

Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence

• Drive Lean manufacturing initiatives across both facilities to improve efficiency and eliminate waste.
• Promote continuous improvement through value stream analysis and performance metrics.
• Implement operational best practices to improve productivity, quality, and cost performance.
• Support the development of future-state operational strategies including automation, equipment investment, and process improvements.

 Financial and Strategic Accountability

• Participate in the development and management of departmental operating budgets and capital expenditure plans.
• Monitor operational costs, labor productivity, and material performance to ensure profitability targets are achieved.
• Analyze operational data and forecast trends to guide strategic decision-making.
• Identify and implement cost savings initiatives across the value stream.

Leadership and Organizational Development

• Provide leadership and coaching to operations and materials teams, ensuring strong engagement and accountability.
• Develop leadership capabilities within the Operations and Supply Chain organizations.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure employees understand and support the mission, vision, and values of The Village Companies.

Customer and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Engineering, and Product Integration teams to ensure smooth execution of new product launches.
• Participate in customer discussions when operational expertise is required.
• Ensure operational readiness for new programs and strategic customer initiatives.
• Support resolution of technical or supply chain issues affecting production or customer delivery.

Quality Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight for the Quality Manager and quality team supporting both Assembly and Fabrication operations.
• Ensure robust quality systems are maintained to meet customer requirements and regulatory standards.
• Drive accountability for product quality, defect reduction, and root cause problem solving.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing PPM, improving process capability, and strengthening quality performance.
• Ensure quality processes effectively support new product introductions and production launches.
• Partner with operations and engineering to resolve quality issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.

Education/Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience managing multi-site operations or complex manufacturing environments preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in supply chain management, production planning, and operational leadership.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement training preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong leadership and organizational development skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage operational budgets and performance metrics.
• Experience with ERP systems and operational data analysis.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional teams effectively.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management capabilities.

Travel Requirements:

• Less than 20%

Physical Requirements:

• Be able to lift at least 25 lbs. and up to 50 lbs. for short periods

Materials and Equipment Utilized:

• Hand tools (pliers, screwdrivers, power tools, etc.)
• Computers, printers, etc.

Working Environment:

• 5% Manufacturing: clean, low to moderate noise, safety glasses required and other personal protective equipment (PPE) where applicable.
• 95% - Office

Online applications only. No phone calls or in-person applications please.  No relocation assistance available.  

The Village Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.