Director of Manufacturing Operations

Location: Palmer,Massachusetts,United States

IMI plc

At IMI, we’re not just creating solutions; we’re building careers. So, unlock your potential: do work that matters, grow with us, and be part of a team shaping tomorrow.

Here, you can make a real difference – solving complex engineering challenges that make industries smarter, safer and more sustainable. From the energy that powers homes to the systems that keep the world moving, you’ll help create solutions the world depends on. But it’s not just about the work – it’s about how you grow. We encourage curiosity, make learning part of everyday life, and give you real opportunities to build new skills and move your career forward.

We believe in nurturing your wellbeing, too, with strong benefits and flexible policies that help you succeed. At IMI, you’ll find a supportive, collaborative and inclusive environment where you can truly thrive.

Role Overview
The Operations Director is a key member of the site leadership team and is responsible for leading manufacturing operations to achieve world-class performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. This role sets and executes the operational strategy aligned with the business plan, driving a strong culture of Continuous Improvement, Lean manufacturing, and people development.

The Operations Director provides strategic and hands-on leadership across production, manufacturing engineering, and operational support functions, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products at the lowest total cost in a safe, compliant, and engaging work environment.

Work Environment: Palmer, MA; Onsite 
This role is based on-site in Palmer, MA and provides operational leadership support to the Pipersville, PA manufacturing campus. The Palmer and Pipersville locations collectively support machining and assembly operations across six buildings. Travel to the Pipersville campus is required to ensure alignment and performance across both locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and execute the site operations strategy in alignment with business objectives, customer requirements, and financial commitments.
• Lead and develop the Operations leadership team to deliver results through standard work, capacity planning, and effective resource utilization.
• Drive operational excellence across all manufacturing and supply chain areas, ensuring consistent performance against SQDCP metrics.
• Serve as the operational leader for Health, Safety, and Environmental performance, ensuring compliance with company standards and legal requirements.
• Collaborate with Sustaining Engineering to resolve product lifecycle challenges, implement design improvements, and support ongoing manufacturability and reliability initiatives.
• Promote a strong safety culture through visible leadership, risk identification, incident investigation, and corrective action.
• Ensure manufacturing operations comply with Quality Management System requirements and support continuous improvement of quality performance.
• Lead the deployment and sustainability of Lean manufacturing across the site, embedding Continuous Improvement into daily operations.
• Sponsor and govern Kaizen, value stream, and process improvement initiatives to improve flow, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
• Drive fact-based decision making using structured problem-solving, root cause analysis, and performance data.
• Own operational budgets including expense, capital, and productivity targets.
• Develop and execute capital investment strategies aligned with capacity, growth, and operational efficiency objectives.
• Manage factory capacity and workforce planning to meet current and future customer demand.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality to support New Product Introduction using APQP principles.
• Ensure manufacturing readiness, process capability, and quality standards are achieved for new and existing products.
• Build and sustain a high-performing operations organization through clear expectations, coaching, accountability, and talent development.
• Develop a strong pipeline of operational leaders and technical talent.
• Promote a culture of engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning aligned with company values.

Critical Competencies for Success
Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline; MBA preferred.
• 8–10 years of progressive operations leadership experience in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 5 years leading production or manufacturing operations with direct people leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience driving Lean manufacturing and Continuous Improvement at scale.
• Proven success improving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity metrics.

Leadership & Technical Competencies

• Strong operational and financial acumen with experience managing budgets and capital investments.
• Deep understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all levels of the organization.
• Data-driven decision maker with strong analytical skills.
• Effective communicator with the ability to align teams around strategy and execution.

Systems & Tools

• Proficient with standard business and operational systems (ERP, reporting, performance dashboards).
• Comfortable partnering with IT and digital teams to enable data-driven operations and process improvements.

Pay range: $ 170,000  - $185,000 

Within this range, individual pay is determined based on skills, experience, and qualifications relative to the job requirements. Base pay information is aligned with market location and may be subject to prevailing wage laws, if applicable.

Bonus eligibility: This position is also eligible for a variable incentive pay component, separate from base salary. 

What IMI Can Offer You
At IMI, one of our top priorities is to create an inclusive culture of health. We strive to remove barriers to care (whether that be physical or financial) and in doing so, we offer choice for all your health and wellbeing needs. 

See below for a general overview of our amazing perks and benefits:

• Multiple health plans to choose from: HMO, PPO, and High Deductible Health Plans with a low-cost share
• Best-in-class 401K plan with zero vesting and up to 6% contribution matching
• 14-week maternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
• 4-week paternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
• Employee Resource Groups that offer community and support, like our Pride Network and Network of Women groups 
• PTO, encompassing inclusive holidays 
• Career Development opportunities (IMI’s ‘Catalyst’ Program)
• Employer contribution for Health Savings Account, and in many cases free virtual telemedicine, and teletherapy.
• Mental Health and wellness programs to support you and your family
• Full suite of voluntary benefits to tap into, including but not limited to: Critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity, legal insurance, identity theft protection, and pet insurance or home & auto insurance through our discount advantage platform
• Short & long-term disability as well as basic life insurance at 2x your basic salary at no cost to the employee
• Free financial advisors, webinars, and classes through Charles Schwab
• Annual Employee Stock Purchase Plan with option to purchase IMI shares at a reduced employee only price - no opportunity to lose, only to profit or refund your investment 100%

**Benefits plans change year over year, but we have guiding principles in place to ensure our employees have the tools and resources available to stay connected and up to date**

Health & Safety

The physical demands described within the Key Duties & Responsibilities section of this job description are required to perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.  Please contact your local HR representative to discuss the specific Work Conditions and Physical Requirements of this role.  

Health, Safety, and Environmental Duties – At IMI we are all personally committed to protecting our people, minimizing our impact to the environment, the communities we operate in and our company. All members of our workforce have the duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of themselves, others, and the environment. Every employee is expected to follow all HSE operating procedures, also to challenge any observed behaviors or unsafe acts.

Code of Ethics

IMI requires the highest standard of ethics in all business dealings, particularly with customers, suppliers, advisors, employees, and the authorities. In accordance with the IMI Way: Our Code of Responsible Business.

Changes to This Job Description

IMI may amend this job description in whole or part at any time.

IMI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.

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