Director of Operations (Manufacturing)

Symmetrio is recruiting a Director of Operations (Manufacturing) for our customer, a global leader in the medical device space. The Director of Operations is a hands-on leader responsible for driving safety, operational excellence, and team performance within a complex manufacturing environment consisting of mechanical and electrical assembly, machining, and an extensive supplier network. The Director of Operations will have 6 direct reports across engineering, production, quality, supply chain, EHS and continuous improvement, and oversight of 110+ employees.

The ideal candidate is results-driven and thrives in environments requiring both execution and transformation. This individual will manage and develop a strong team, improve operational and supplier performance, and establish a disciplined, sustainable operating model. A background in lean manufacturing, a systems-thinking approach, and a passion for developing people are critical to success in this role.

This is a full-time, on-site position located in Parsippany, NJ area. Candidates should be based locally (within ~ 1 hour commute) or open to relocation.

The targeted compensation for this role is a $200k base with a 20% performance bonus & Equity participation through Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations across production, quality, engineering, procurement, planning, and supply chain.
• Lead cross-functional teams to meet production targets, quality standards, and delivery expectations.
• Manage resources, capacity, and workflow to keep operations running efficiently.
• Apply process improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and increase operational throughput.
• Lead initiatives that drive continuous improvement, including process standardization, workplace organization, and problem-solving efforts.
• Establish and monitor performance indicators to guide operational decision-making and corrective actions.
• Work closely with quality and compliance functions to uphold strong standards, address issues, and drive improvements.
• Ensure operational processes meet regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Collaborate with safety and environmental teams to maintain a safe and compliant work environment, including oversight of regulated materials.
• Support engineering teams in launching new products, optimizing equipment, and resolving production challenges.
• Leverage technical expertise to evaluate operational performance, address process issues, and ensure product quality.
• Guide procurement and sourcing activities to support material availability, cost efficiency, and supplier reliability.
• Partner with planning functions to align production schedules and forecasts with operational goals.
• Drive strategies to maintain supply chain continuity while optimizing inventory and workflow.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to supervisors, team leads, and staff across functions.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and ongoing improvement.
• Support employee development through coaching, training, and performance management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of operations or manufacturing leadership experience in a production environment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical knowledge.
• Experience implementing Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven track record leading cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment with active machinery and equipment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience in regulated industries such as medical device, aerospace, defense.
• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).
• ERP/MRP system proficiency (D365 preferred).

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)