The Director of Operations is responsible for leading all operations and functions in a vertically integrated manufacturing facility, supporting the Kitting Manufacturing in Byhalia, MS.

**Job Description:**

**Purpose of the Role**

The Director, Operations leads a hybrid operation that combines distribution execution with light manufacturing/value-add assembly, including activities such as holiday display builds, heated gear kitting, late-point kitting, and project-based production. This role is accountable for operational performance, labor and capacity planning, quality, safety, and leadership development across both value streams.

The Director serves as the operational integrator-ensuring inbound, outbound, and material-flow performance while managing high-volume, seasonal, and project-based build operations. This role supports the VP Operations in delivering strategic priorities, scaling capability, and improving cost, speed, and quality across the operation.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Distribution Operations (Inbound, Outbound, Material Flow)**

+ Lead daily operations for receiving, putaway, replenishment, picking, packing, shipping, and returns.

+ Ensure accurate and compliant execution of all distribution SOPs.

+ Develop labor plans and staffing strategies to meet fluctuating demand.

+ Drive performance across accuracy, productivity, service-level targets, and throughput.

+ Partner with Transportation, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory Control, and Customer Fulfillment teams to ensure on-time, in-full delivery.

**Light Manufacturing / Value-Added Operations**

+ Lead all light manufacturing and assembly activities, including:

+ Holiday display assembly

+ Heated gear kitting

+ Late-point/final kitting

+ Custom packaging and promotional builds

+ Retail-specific special project execution

+ Ensure accurate work instructions, quality inspections, BOM usage, and traceability.

+ Build scalable processes for seasonal and project-based volume changes.

+ Partner with Engineering and Product teams to execute pilot builds and launch new programs.

**Leadership & People Development**

+ Lead and develop a multi-layer team including Operations Managers, Supervisors, Team Leads, and hourly teams.

+ Build a culture of extreme ownership, high accountability, transparent communication, and continuous improvement.

+ Drive leadership bench strength, succession planning, and internal promotions.

+ Partner with Talent Management, ER, and L&D to build leadership capability across all levels.

**Strategic, Continuous Improvement & Operational Scaling**

+ Translate the VP's strategy into operational roadmaps, peak plans, capacity models, and staffing frameworks.

+ Use Lean, CI, and problem-solving tools to elevate performance across both distribution and value-add operations.

+ Identify and eliminate waste through standard work, 5S, process flow design, takt time planning, and line balancing.

+ Improve throughput, accuracy, cost-per-unit, and overall customer experience.

+ Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve speed, agility, and process stability.

**Financial & Performance Accountability**

+ Own operational budget for labor, materials, supplies, special projects, and light manufacturing activities.

+ Track and deliver on cost-per-unit, productivity goals, quality performance, labor efficiency, and build-throughput.

+ Support capital projects including equipment, layout changes, and facility upgrades.

+ Provide weekly and monthly operational reporting to the VP Operations with clear insights, trends, and recommendations.

**Key Competencies**

+ **Drive Execution:** Ensures consistent operational performance across multiple value streams.

+ **Drive Growth & Innovation:** Anticipates evolving business needs and creates scalable solutions.

+ **Build High Performing Teams:** Coaches leaders and builds effective succession pipelines.

+ **Collaborative Relationships:** Partners cross-functionally to deliver aligned results.

+ **Build Organizational Capacity:** Creates systems, processes, and structures that scale with business growth.

+ **Continuous Improvement Mindset:** Uses data and lean principles to drive improvement.

**Qualifications**

**Required**

+ Bachelor's degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field.

+ 10+ years of leadership experience in distribution, assembly, or mixed manufacturing environments.

+ Experience managing leaders (Managers, Supervisors) in high-volume operations.

+ Strong analytical skills with proficiency in operational metrics, labor models, and system-based planning.

+ Demonstrated experience scaling operations through peak season, promotional cycles, or project-driven work.

+ Strong communication, influencing, and change-management capability.

**Preferred**

+ Experience in retail promotional build, kitting, assembly, or customization environments.

+ Lean, Six Sigma, or CI certification.

+ Experience with WMS/LMS systems, ERP, and production workflow tools.

+ Background leading mixed-mode operations (distribution + assembly under one structure).

**Success Measures**

+ Throughput, accuracy, and service-level achievement in distribution.

+ Successful execution of seasonal builds and special projects.

+ Cost-per-unit and productivity improvements.

+ Leadership bench strength and retention.

+ Safety performance and quality outcomes.

+ Year-over-year improvement in operational capability and process stability.

_Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer._

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

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Job #NLX284785214