Director of Operations - Jacksonville, FL

*About Allied Plastics* · Seventy-five years of manufacturing expertise drives new product development and informs continuous process improvement. Addressing current trends and anticipating future needs, we take pride in introducing new feature-rich designs for STEM, classroom, a ...

Job description

*About Allied Plastics*

Seventy-five years of manufacturing expertise drives new product development and informs continuous process improvement. Addressing current trends and anticipating future needs, we take pride in introducing new feature-rich designs for STEM, classroom, administration, seating, storage and more.

*About the role*

• The Director of Operations is responsible for leading all manufacturing, production support, and operational functions within our mid-size table and cabinet manufacturing facilities. This role oversees daily operations, drives continuous improvement, ensures on-time delivery, and supports strategic growth initiatives. The ideal candidate is a hands-on operational leader with deep experience in laminated wood products manufacturing, including woodshop operations, gluing operations, edgebanding, and assembly processes, and has a proven ability to optimize production performance in a fast-paced environment.
• Reports to: CEO with close collaboration with Finance
• Direct Reports: Approximately 10 salaried employees with oversight to all hourly employees working under salaried reports - Production Supervisors, Maintenance Supervisor, Warehouse/Shipping Manager, Production Control, Engineering
• Work Hours: M-F 7:00AM-4:30PM with some Saturday hours as needed. Summer busy season with vacation blackout periods.

*What you'll do*

*1.*

*Operational Leadership*

• Oversee day-to-day operations providing high level direction and oversight across manufacturing, maintenance, warehouse/shipping, engineering, and production control.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to meet production schedules, quality standards, safety requirements, and cost targets.
• Lead, mentor, and develop direct reports to build a high-performing, accountable operations team.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, company policies, and industry best practices.
• Monitor and adjust manpower needs in all operational departments, including responsibility for hiring, terminations, workforce planning, and approval of annual performance reviews as well as oversight to temporary/seasonal labor hiring.

*2.*

*Production & Process Management*

• Oversight of lamination processes, woodshop activities, edgebanding, finishing, and assembly processes to ensure consistent quality and efficiency and execution of the production schedule to ensure on time shipment.
• Oversight of warehouse and shipping departments to ensure efficient handling of goods, and promotion of best practices for inventory management, including cycle and year end counting, inventory accuracy, and material flow optimization.
• Maintain and improve upon companywide lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve flow, and increase throughput.
• Review and final acceptance of the production schedule as outlined by the production control department.  Collaboration with production control to set and monitor schedule, material availability, and lead times based on capacity planning for machines and labor.

• Utilize the NetSuite ERP system to manage work orders, inventory, BOMs, routings, and performance tracking.  Implementation of shop floor tracking system – barcoding and tablets.

• Uphold quality standards for all manufactured and resale products.  Direct quality and corrective actions to drive defect reduction and product reliability.

• Develop, track, and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to productivity, safety, quality, output, and cost.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering on new product introductions, design-for-manufacturability, and process improvements.
• Manage the company's document control system including oversight of the development, implementation, and maintenance of Work Instructions and Standard Operating Procedures.

• Familiarity with vendor management, sourcing, and supply chain including overseas suppliers.

• Provide regular updates to Customer Service regarding order status, potential delays, and production schedules. Partner with Customer Service and Sales to address production-related issues, expedite orders when necessary, and maintain high customer satisfaction.

*3.*

*Maintenance & Equipment*

• Provide high level direction and oversight to the maintenance team for facilities needs and to ensure equipment reliability through preventive maintenance.
• Partner with CEO and finance for capital expenditure planning, including justification, budgeting, procurement, and implementation of new machinery or facility upgrades/facilities layouts.

*4.*

*Financial & Budget Responsibilities*

• Manage operational budgets, including labor, materials, overhead, and capital projects.
• Analyze financial and operational data to identify cost-reduction opportunities, improve profitability, and track efficiency.
• Support leadership with operational input for forecasting and operational strategy development and growth.

*5.*

*Safety*

• Assist safety coordinator with company safety initiatives and promote a culture of safety throughout the organization.

• Participate in safety activities, including accident and incident investigations, OSHA reporting, safety audits, and serving as an active member of the safety committee.

*Qualifications*

• Strong technical knowledge of CNC/wood cutting machinery, lamination, edgebanding, assembly processes, and production workflows.
• Proficiency in warehouse operations, inventory management, and shipping/logistics functions.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a mid-size manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with NetSuite ERP (or similar manufacturing ERP systems).
• Demonstrated success in KPI development, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement activities.
• Understanding of SOP and Work Instruction development and document control systems.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, workplace safety practices, and incident investigation procedures.
• Knowledge of environmental compliance for paint and powder coat as well as facility compliance with state and local municipalities.
• Experience with capital expenditure planning and manufacturing budget oversight.
• Self-starter with excellent communication, leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Must have strong ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees from different departmental disciplines.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize.  Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety protocols.  Must be committed to punctual attendance and have dependable transportation to work.

*Education & Experience*

Education:  Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.

High School Diploma/GED (required)

Experience:
*5+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment*
, preferably in furniture, casework, millwork, or related wood products industries.

*Physical Requirements*

This position requires the ability to stand and sit for extensive periods of time.  Manual labor, to include gross and fine motor skills, is extensive.  The ability to lift merchandise and materials weighing up to 65lbs, while adhering to the company safety policy for lifting, is frequent.  Occasional tasks, such as climbing on ladders or equipment may be necessary to make adjustments or minor repairs, after following proper lockout, tagout safety procedures.

*Environmental Conditions*

Work is within a typical office setting and in a manufacturing setting without climate control where temperatures, noise volume and air quality may be considered to some as slightly disagreeable.  The company will furnish all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at no cost to the employee, and the company is committed to complying with regulatory inspection for the safety and wellbeing of those employed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and requirements of personnel as classified.  Management has the discretion to change or modify the duties and the essential functions at any time in accordance with operational requirements.