Director of Operations

Job Title: Director of Operations Location: Rockaway, NJ Zip Code: 07866 Start Date: Right Away Job Type: Direct Hire Pay Range: $150,000-$175,000 Schedule: 100% onsite, M-F Keyword: #Rockawayjobs; #DirectorofOperationsJobs; #Manufacturing #P&L Position Summary The Director of Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing the organization's day to day operational functions. This role ensures operational excellence, drives process improvement, oversees cross functional execution, and supports strategic initiatives that enable the company to scale efficiently. The Director partners with senior leadership to develop operational strategies, strengthen quality and safety performance, make operational adjustments to ensure KPI targets are met, manage budgets, and lead continuous improvement across all operational areas. In addition, the Director is accountable for capacity planning that supports 50% year over year growth, executing plans that support budgeted sales and EBIT targets, and building the operational infrastructure required to sustain accelerated business expansion. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership

• Oversee all daily operations across departments to ensure smooth, efficient, and aligned execution, including daily KPIs tied to the P&L, 6S discipline, and continuous improvement.
• Lead capacity planning for both internal shop operations and outside services to support 50% year‑over‑year growth.
• Develop, implement, and monitor operational policies, procedures, and systems that enhance productivity and service quality.
• Ensure process control methods effectively support first‑pass yield improvements and meet grain‑size quality requirements.
• Maintain strong attention to daily operations while strategically planning for evolving business needs.
• Promote and exemplify a rigorous safety culture while upholding strong quality standards grounded in 6S principles and increased automation.
• Serve as a customer‑facing leader for delinquency reduction and new product introductions.
• Manage external vendors to ensure delivery performance, quality, capacity, and flow alignment with business needs.
• Identify capacity constraints and implement planning strategies that enable on‑time delivery to both customers and outside vendors.
• Build and execute a multi‑year capital plan aimed at growth and productivity improvement.

Process Improvement & Optimization

• Drive improvements in lead time, inventory management, and waste elimination.
• Integrate automation and technology enhancements to increase operational efficiency.
• Evaluate existing workflows and identify opportunities to streamline processes using Lean, Six Sigma, and similar methodologies.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives including Kaizen events, standard work improvements, and 6S audits.
• Measure and report on operational performance using dashboards, KPIs, and data‑driven insights.
• Ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented and verified for effectiveness.

People Management & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop operational teams to achieve high performance and accountability.
• Establish staffing plans, training programs, and performance management processes.
• Set a clear vision, define objectives, and hold teams accountable for achieving business performance.
• Develop team capability in CI, 6S ownership, safety leadership, and KPI literacy.

Budgeting & Resource Management

• Develop and manage operational budgets while ensuring cost efficiency and responsible resource allocation.
• Execute plans to meet budgeted sales and EBIT targets.
• Quote new work where capacity permits and secure growth‑aligned margins.
• Manage both variable and fixed costs with strong cost‑control discipline.
• Review and approve vendor contracts, negotiate pricing, and oversee procurement workflows.

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Contribute to long‑term strategic planning at the executive level.
• Translate organizational goals into actionable operational plans and timelines.
• Support growth initiatives including scaling, expansion, and new product or service offerings.
• Integrate quality, safety, continuous improvement, capacity planning, capital planning, and KPI performance into operational strategy.

Qualifications Education & Experience

• Must have experience demonstrating P/L accountability and adherence to the metrics.
• 10-15 years of progressive operations leadership experience, preferably in a mid to large scale organization, with aerospace manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing organizational change, and improving business processes.
• Experience developing and deploying KPIs, 6S programs, Lean initiatives, and structured CI practices.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship building skills.
• Highly analytical with experience using KPIs, dashboards, and data to drive decisions.
• Proficient in operational planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Expertise in process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, manage complex projects, and meet competing deadlines.
• Effectively holds team members accountable for delivering on operational expectations.
• Commitment to maintaining a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Software/Tools Used: ERP/MRP systems for production planning and scheduling, Excel for KPI reporting and operational analysis, plant production dashboards for monitoring throughput and downtime, maintenance tracking systems for equipment reliability, quality management systems to track corrective actions and production issues, and Lean manufacturing tools including root cause analysis, visual management boards, and continuous improvement tracking. Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.