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.