Operations Director
SPT Labtech, United States

Apricot Designs Inc. has recently been acquired by SPT Labtech, and is a specialty manufacturer of laboratory equipment and laboratory technology products. We are at the forefront of supplying technology used in Covid-19 testing worldwide. We are an essential business and are currently hiring for a Operations Director to lead, direct and manage the production team (approximately 50-60 staff) and ensure appropriate people management and continuous improvement practices are implemented to achieve high levels of quality, delivery and cost performance.

You will be responsible for setting priorities, leading the team to perform with best-in-class efficiencies in compliance, with all safety, company, and regulatory requirements.

DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure that Operational and Business goals are achieved or exceeded.
• Contribute to and lead the implementation of continuous improvement activities that will impact the profitability of the product range.
• Take responsibility for the build plan and ensure that any technical/materials issues are resolved in a timely manner.
• Oversee production planning and control processes using forecasting tools with commercial team and ensure that there is sufficient capacity and skill flexibility in the production team to meet short and long-term forecasts.
  
• Lead the planning and production teams to develop operational schedules and coordinate manufacturing activities to ensure production and quality of products meets specifications.
• Ensure that appropriate Lean manufacturing methods and practices are appropriately implemented throughout the team including visual planning elements.
• Implement appropriate KPIs to measure and support the continuous improvement efforts in the facility. Build quality into all processes, decrease lead times.
• Manage materials/inventory to ensure an uninterrupted supply at optimal cost and vision to implement world-class material Flow.
• Ensure the production team follow the build standard and process documentation while engineering changes are appropriately implemented, and non-conformances documented.
• Ensure highest levels of quality are achieved, the team is working to standard times and variances are managed appropriately.
• Strategically manage recruitment plans to ensure adequate future capacity, skill flexibility and development of a dynamic production team.
• Manage the performance and personal development for all direct reports, providing coaching, guidance and instruction on proper processes.
  
• Ensure that there is an excellent level of communication and management within the production team and across other departments.
• Comply with Company policies including Health and Safety procedures.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience working in an Operations leadership role in the manufacturing industry with focus on electro-mechanical assembly and CNC machining.
• Part of the experience was strong involvement in production planning and control disciplines.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering preferred or equivalent shop floor management experience in a complex manufacturing environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and influence others, including those not under direct supervision.
• Recognizes key internal and external stakeholders and is able to establish checkpoints and performance indicators to detect customer issues early.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, organizational and negotiation skills.
• Strong financial literacy, including Pamp;L.
• Team player combined with ability to work independently and adapt to change.
• Solid decision-making skills and the ability to multi-task effectively, will be required to be successful in this position.
• Proven leadership, mentoring and skills development experience.
• Knowledge of Verbal Chinese (Mandarin) a plus.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Job Rewards and Benefits