Director of Operations - The Chatham Group

Title: Director of Operations - Plastics & Packaging

Location: Allentown – Bethlehem – Easton, PA

OVERVIEW:

The Director of Operations holds a top-level manufacturing position that requires substantial experience in the corresponding packaging materials field. The role oversees manufacturing operations at two discrete facilities and ensures that proper steps are taken to make certain that the manufacturing process is running smoothly and safely. The Director of Operations will lead the introduction of new products and the quality of current products, while leading Continuous Improvement initiatives across the organization. The Director is expected to spend a large amount of time on-site in the operating units and oversee the entire manufacturing process from product development to manufacturing operations to quality control to delivery, ensuring processes and products meet all applicable standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure the safety of all employees; lead a comprehensive safety program to prevent injuries. Lead the Company’s Compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations (EPA, OSHA, etc.).
• Develop the workforce through education, training, and teamwork.
• Prepare the annual plant operating budget, working closely with the financial and commercial organizations.
• Meet or exceed plant productivity, cost, and quality objectives, while leading the development of performance metrics that accurately reflect performance and motivate the workforce.
• Hire, train, direct and mentor staff and all plant employees with diverse language, cultural and educational background.
• Lead plant in continuous improvement initiatives, such as 5S with safety, 6 Sigma, Kaizen events, and lean manufacturing.
• Coordinate production scheduling to meet customer demands, to manage overtime, to minimize inventory, and to reduce costs.
• Support quality initiatives to ensure product meets or exceeds customer expectations.
• Build and maintain productive employee relationships, driving employee satisfaction. Provide direction, training, and development as needed.
• Work with HR to address employee concerns and issues and refine policies and procedures.
• Identify, propose, and implement capital projects to improve operational performance.
• Manage overall facility asset lifecycles and Risk Management activities.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Science in Packaging, Engineering or Technology required.
• Manufacturing of Packaging materials experience with plastics or paper required.
• 7 – 10 years Progressive Experience in manufacturing leadership positions.
• Extrusion/Thermoforming experience preferred, particularly with PET, PPO and EPS.
• Experience in leading quality systems improvement, metrics development and continuous improvement.

OTHER:

• Expertise in Strategic Planning and resource allocation
• ERP / MRP expertise in the effective scheduling and distribution of goods.
• Proficient Computer skills – Word, Excel, Power Point required.
• Effective communication and organizational development skills
• Strong leadership skills required.