Judge Direct Placement is working with an international manufacturer that is seeking Director of Operations in their Hanover, PA facility. This person is expected to be in a highly visible, hands-on leadership role responsible for the end-to-end performance of the company's supply chain and overall operational efficiency . This includes strategic planning, tactical execution, and continuous improvement across Procurement, Planning, Manufacturing / Production, Inventory Management, Quality Assurance, and Logistics / Distribution. The ideal candidate is a proactive, data-driven leader who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves to troubleshoot issues, optimize workflows, and mentor their teams.
Key Responsibilities
Supply Chain Strategy & Management
- End-to-End Oversight : Lead, manage, and optimize all aspects of the supply chain, from raw material sourcing and vendor management through final product delivery to the customer.
- Strategic Planning : Develop and execute long-term operations strategies, including integrated Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) , to align capacity, demand, inventory, and financial goals.
- Procurement & Sourcing : Oversee global sourcing, negotiation of key supplier contracts, and vendor relationship management to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and supply continuity.
- Risk Management : Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including geopolitical instability, capacity constraints, and single-source dependencies, to build a resilient and reliable supply network.
Hands-On Leadership & Continuous Improvement
Operational Excellence : Drive a culture of continuous improvement using methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S to eliminate waste and maximize efficiency in all operational processes.Floor Involvement : Maintain a regular presence in production, warehouse, and logistics areas to monitor processes, identify bottlenecks, and lead immediate, tactical problem-solving initiatives.Process Implementation : Design, implement, and enforce optimal operational policies, procedures, and systems (e.g., ERP / MRP systems) to ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.Performance Monitoring : Define, track, and report on key performance indicators ( KPIs ) across the supply chain (e.g., On-Time-In-Full delivery, inventory turns, cost of goods sold, and production efficiency).Team Management & Development
Leadership & Mentorship : Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team across all operational functions (e.g., purchasing, production managers, logistics specialists, and warehouse staff).Cross-Functional Collaboration : Partner closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams (Sales, Finance, Engineering, Quality) to ensure operational plans support overall business objectives.Talent Management : Manage staffing, training, and performance reviews to ensure the operational team has the skills and resources required to meet current and future business needs.Required Qualifications
Education : Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical field. An MBA or relevant certification (e.g., APICS, CSCMP, Six Sigma) is a plus.Experience : Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in Operations and Supply Chain leadership, with at least 3 years in a Director-level or equivalent role.Full Supply Chain Knowledge : Demonstrated expertise across all supply chain domains : planning, procurement, manufacturing / production, warehousing, logistics, and distribution.Leadership Style : Proven track record as a hands-on leader who actively engages with day-to-day operations and empowers teams to drive results.Technical Skills : Expert proficiency with modern ERP / MRP systems and advanced analytical tools.Core Competencies : Exceptional analytical, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.