Director, Operations

About the Role As the Director of Operations for Watlow's Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Hannibal, Missouri, you will lead the strategic and operational performance of a high-volume manufacturing facility specializing in advanced thermal systems and components. In this role, you will have direct responsibility for the production organization at the Hannibal site, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations that meet performance, delivery, and cost objectives.

You will collaborate with Business Units (BUs), and corporate functional leaders to translate business strategies into executable operational plans for the Hannibal facility. A key aspect of this role will be coordinating with shared engineering and support resources to scale new technologies and products, ensuring smooth transitions from development to production. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Operations, you will provide both strategic leadership and hands-on oversight-developing talent within your team, driving accountability, and fostering a Lean, safety-focused, and continuous improvement culture.

Your success will be measured by your ability to optimize production efficiency, enhance team member engagement, and ensure that the Hannibal facility continues to operate as a model of operational excellence within Watlow's global network. Your

Key Responsibilities Lead all manufacturing operations to consistently achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. Build, coach, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Drive the application of Lean principles to streamline processes, improve throughput, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness. Collaborate with Business Units (BUs) to ensure seamless integration of new products into production.

Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track performance, productivity, and Lean progress. Ensure compliance with all regulatory, environmental, and industry standards. Manage budgets, resources, and capital investments with a focus on efficiency and return. Champion quality by implementing robust control measures and promoting a culture of excellence throughout manufacturing. Evaluate and introduce new technologies, systems, and methods to strengthen production capabilities and competitiveness.

Lead site-level engagement initiatives that align with Watlow's purpose, vision, and strategy. Promote collaboration, trust, and open communication across leadership, teams, and stakeholders. Identify and pursue cost-reduction opportunities across products, processes, and projects. Represent the site within the Watlow Business System (WBS) framework and ensure consistent adoption of best practices. Travel domestically and internationally as needed (