Director of Operations [HT-964070]

FIRST LINE TECHNOLOGY

Experience, qualification, and soft skills, have you got everything required to succeed in this opportunity Find out below.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Do you thrive in dynamic environments where no two days look the same? Are you energized by the challenge of leading teams through change with clarity and purpose? Do you have the backbone to make tough decisions while keeping people engaged and inspired? If you see operations as both an engine for growth and a platform for building culture, we want to talk to you!

Our ideal Director of Operations is / has :

• Strategic minded.
• You see the big picture without losing sight of the details. Your forward thinking ensures that day-to-day operations align with long-term goals.
• A strong communicator.
• Clear, concise, and approachable. You know how to tailor your message to leadership team members, operations managers, and operators to keep everyone moving in the same direction.
• Strong integrity.
• You lead by example and never compromise your values. Doing the right thing guides every decision you make.
• An innovator.
• You embrace change and are always looking for ways to improve systems and processes. Your mindset turns challenges into opportunities.
• A problem solver.
• Obstacles don't derail you. You approach each issue with calm determination and a focus on practical solutions.

Our ideal Director of Operations is a culture champion who empowers teams and drives operational excellence. You will be the leader who ensures our processes are both efficient and human centered. Your decisions will ripple across the company, fueling growth and reinforcing our mission. At First Line Technology, this isn't just a job—it's your chance to build something meaningful.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The responsibilities for our Director of Operations include but are not limited to...

Culture & Leadership

Promote and model First Line Technology's culture and core values in everything you do.

Inspire and motivate teams by communicating a clear operational vision.

Participate in hiring, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions when necessary.

Lead team training and continuous improvement initiatives to develop skills and build accountability.

Operations & Process Management

Manage the team who oversees day-to-day production, order fulfillment, inventory management, and quality assurance.

Manage projects for growth and scale, warehouse operations, and inventory budgets, including over $2M in rotating inventory

Create, streamline, and maintain operational processes, procedures, and work instructions as needed…specifically applying value stream mapping or lean thinking to our processes for our core products.

Develop production plans that anticipate future demand rather than relying solely on make-to-order workflows.

Drive operational metrics including on-time shipments and stock level consistency.

Monitor team KPIs and conduct weekly, monthly, and quarterly scorecard reviews to drive performance.

Supply Chain, Procurement & Vendor Relations

Anticipate and plan for supply chain changes, proactively managing risks and disruptions.

Oversee vendor management, including sourcing, negotiating purchase orders, and developing new supplier relationships.

Own the scalability of distribution contracts and ensure capacity grows with demand.

Partner with the sales team to address low inventory turnover and improve supply chain efficiency.

Compliance, Safety & Quality Systems

Lead ISO 9001 management, including document control, process updates, quality manual maintenance, and internal / external audits.

Validate plans for chemical manufacturing processes that meet OSHA requirements.

Ensure understanding and compliance with Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Department of Transportation (DoT) hazard classes, and Dangerous Goods regulations.

This is a full-time, onsite position based in Fredericksburg, VA

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

3+ years of experience leading and managing teams.

Experience in supply chain or logistics roles, including production planning and scheduling.

Experience managing domestic and international DoD or federal contract deliveries.

Familiarity with key financial processes, including budgeting, landed cost analysis, price setting, profit margin management, and tax calculations.

Tech-savvy with proficiency in ERP / MRP systems, Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Excel skills.

Preferred

Experience in chemical manufacturing and production environments.

3+ years of hands-on experience working in manufacturing or production environments, to include distribution and assembly.

Proficiency using NetSuite or SAP platforms.

Exposure to global supply chain management.

Knowledge of export control regulations (i.e. ITAR, Commerce List).

Familiarity with ISO 9001 standards and quality management systems (QMS).

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Bachelor's degree and / or certifications in supply chain, logistics, or lean manufacturing.

Desired

Understanding of CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) considerations and explosives handling.

Certified in Lean or Lean Six Sigma.

Experience manufacturing peroxides.

HAZWOPER certification.

Strong negotiation skills and a track record of smart purchasing decisions.

THE COMPANY – FIRST LINE TECHNOLOGY

First Line Technology designs and manufactures innovative products that protect and support the people who protect and support everyone else. From first responders to federal agencies, we are dedicated to delivering the tools they need to stay safe and effective.

WHY WORK WITH US

You'll be empowered to try new things and influence real change.

True team culture where your voice is heard.

Hands-on environment with full ownership of operations.

Strong leadership support and genuine care for employees.

We never compromise on quality or doing business the right way.

Plenty of opportunities to build relationships and grow in your career.

Our Core Values

We are mission focused : Our top priority is the mission of our customers!

We are one team : We work together to get the job done, regardless of role or department.

We embrace challenges : First Line is built on overcoming challenges.

We simplify the complex : First Line has products and services that are unique and simple in complex areas.

We own it : We take the initiative to bring about positive results, proactively addressing challenges rather than waiting for others to act.

SALARY :

$105K - $120K plus performance-based bonus (5% of annual base salary) of individual and company performance.

BENEFITS :

Healthcare, dental, vision, 401K (company match up to 5%), PTO, up to 11 paid holidays, professional development, company-sponsored events, company credit card for company related expenses.

If you're ready to shape the future of how we serve those who serve us, apply now!

Job Type : Full-time

Pay : $105,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits :

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Application Question(s) :

1. How many years have you been a leader and a manager of teams? And how many direct reports have you led?

2. Talk to me about your supply chain / logistics experience. Include production planning and scheduling in your response.

3. Provide some details of your experience in managing domestic and international DoD or federal contract deliveries.

4. What experience do you have in financial processes to include : budgeting, landed cost analysis, price setting, profit margin management, and tax calculations?

5. What financial processes are you familiar with? Specifically landed cost analysis, price setting, profit margin management, and tax calculations.

6. What are your base salary requirements for this role?

Work Location : In person