Director of Operations - Manufacturing

Our client, a global leader in precision engineered solutions and hardware, has an immediate need for an experienced Director of Operations, to join their winning team in Rochester.

Our candidate of choice will oversee the end-to-end manufacturing, supply chain, and quality operations for high-reliability power electronics and control systems. You will be responsible for delivering mission-critical products to highly regulated industries, including semiconductor equipment, medical devices, and aerospace/defense, where precision, compliance, and reliability are paramount. You will act as a "player-coach," blending high-level strategic oversight with hands-on operational management to drive efficiency, mitigate risks, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee daily operations of electronics assembly, final box build, functional testing, and burn-in processes to ensure 100% reliability of power electronics and control units built to IPC standards (e.g., IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001).  
• Manage the value-add engineering panel and sub-assembly shop, translating custom engineering requirements into high-quality products while optimizing labor, equipment, and resource utilization to handle fluctuating demand across market sectors.  
• Develop and implement production schedules, strategies, and process improvements to meet targets, reduce cycle times, and eliminate waste in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume environment.  
• Lead the Quality Management System (QMS), including internal audits, Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), and continuous improvement initiatives.  
• Serve as the primary lead for maintaining and renewing ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and/or AS9100 certifications, ensuring audit readiness and representation during external registrar or customer audits.  
• Enforce cascading requirements, such as "Copy Exact!" (CE!) protocols for semiconductor clients, flow-downs of contractual terms, and adherence to industry standards like FDA, NADCAP, and customer-specific regulations.  
• Manage strategic relationships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, including identification, auditing, and oversight for critical components, PCBA fabrication, and services.  
• Direct all materials management, including procurement, shipping/receiving, kitting, inventory control (e.g., cycle counting and warehouse organization), and alignment with production schedules to prevent bottlenecks.   
• Develop risk mitigation strategies for long lead times, component obsolescence, and supply chain disruptions common in the power electronics industry.  
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams across production, engineering, logistics, procurement, and quality functions, fostering collaboration and professional development.  
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other initiatives to enhance competitive positioning, profitability, and customer satisfaction while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.  
• Manage budgets, analyze manufacturing execution issues, and implement solutions to ensure consistent product delivery and operational excellence.  

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• 8+ years in operations or manufacturing management within the electronics industry, with a proven track record in power electronics, industrial controls, or similar high-reliability products.  
• Deep technical knowledge of power electronics (high voltage/current), control systems, electronic test methodologies, and standards like IPC-A-610.  
• Experience in highly regulated industries such as semiconductor (Copy Exact), medical (FDA/ISO 13485), or aerospace/defense (AS9100/NADCAP).  
• Direct experience managing ISO certifications, rigorous change control, and QMS oversight.  
• Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams and proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., MS Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite).  
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related technical field; advanced degree (e.g., MBA) preferred.  
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification preferred 
• Strong understanding of soldering and inspection standards (e.g., J-STD-001) preferred
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies and strategies for scaling operations in electronics manufacturing preferred. 

• This role involves a combination of office-based strategic planning and hands-on oversight on the manufacturing floor, which may include exposure to noise, chemicals, and machinery requiring personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Occasional lifting or handling of equipment up to 50 lbs may be required, along with standing or walking for extended periods. 
• Travel (up to 20%) may be necessary for supplier audits, customer meetings, or industry conferences. 
• The position is primarily onsite to support operational needs, with potential for limited hybrid flexibility depending on business requirements

Please apply today to be one of the first people considered for this position!

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