Apply on Employer Site

Dexter · 2 weeks ago

Director of Operations - Assembly

Elkhart, IN

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

Dexter is the premier manufacturer and supplier of various components serving multiple markets, and they are seeking an experienced Director of Operations - Assembly. This role provides leadership and strategic oversight of Dexter’s Assembly business units, ensuring operational excellence, safety, and customer responsiveness while driving continuous improvement and innovation through Lean Six Sigma practices.

Consumer GoodsManufacturing

Responsibilities

Oversees multiple axle assembly plants across Dexter’s U.S. manufacturing footprint

Lead axle manufacturing operations across assigned plants/business units, aligning objectives with the VP of Assembly BU

Responsible for operations including automation strategy, material handling, logistics, and customization processes

Full accountability for P&L, cost structure, operational performance, and SIOP integration within the area of responsibility

Partners with corporate Safety, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Sales to align operations with customer requirements and corporate strategy

Champion a safety-first culture where every employee takes ownership for their own and others’ wellbeing

Ensure the highest standards of environmental, health, and safety performance

Deliver excellence in safety, quality, delivery, and cost across assembly operations

Drive continuous improvement and waste reduction through the disciplined use of Lean tools, Six Sigma methodologies, and automation

Lead SIOP execution to ensure alignment of demand, supply, and capacity planning across the business unit

Develop and implement operational strategies to expand capacity, improve throughput, and enhance customer responsiveness

Build critical leadership capability across Span of control, building high-potential leaders and individual contributors and ensuring a sustainable pipeline of talent

Ensure assembly operations deliver customized, on-time, high-quality solutions with short lead times

Optimize cost structure and asset utilization while making informed make-versus-buy and outsourcing decisions

Support capacity expansion, automation, and new product integration within span of control

Execute with Determination, Connect with People, Do the Right Thing

Champion the Courage to Care safety philosophy as a personal and organizational priority

Lead by example in deploying Lean Six Sigma principles to drive a culture of problem solving, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement

Serve as a visible leader and key member of Senior Staff, aligning Assembly operations with enterprise strategy

Develop and empower the next generation of leaders across the business unit to ensure long-term success and organizational resilience

Zero harm achieved through sustained safety performance and employee engagement in Courage to Care

Drive continuous improvement through the DuPont Model and Courage to Care philosophy; lead consequence thinking sessions; expand ergonomic risk mitigation; increase employee participation in incident and near-miss reporting

Year-over-year improvements in operational KPIs (safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory)

Effective execution of Lean Six Sigma initiatives, resulting in measurable productivity and efficiency gains

Continuous improvement initiatives delivering measurable cost savings and productivity gains

A strengthened leadership pipeline with demonstrable improvements in employee engagement and retention

Contribution to Dexter’s growth, profitability, and reputation as the premier manufacturer

Lead cultural evolution to empower employees and build high performance teams

Qualification

Lean Six SigmaOperational LeadershipSIOPP&L ManagementAutomation StrategySafety ManagementTalent DevelopmentCommunicationTeam LeadershipProblem Solving

Required

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or Business required

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or related experience

Full accountability for P&L, cost structure, operational performance, and SIOP integration within the area of responsibility

Champion a safety-first culture where every employee takes ownership for their own and others' wellbeing