Director of Operations - Manufacturing

Job Summary

The Director of Operations (DOO) is responsible for the performance and results of manufacturing operations.  The DOO develops and provides leadership to managers, staff, and 3rd party support resources.  This position has full responsibility for ensuring on time end-to-end fulfillment of customer and intercompany production orders that meet or exceed quality and cost targets.  The DOO is accountable for driving world class manufacturing performance using operational excellence and lean methodologies on all safety, quality, delivery, cost, people, and sustainability measures.  This role directs continuous improvement activities and coordinates the development of the facility’s people, processes, and capabilities.  This leader will establish and consistently deliver industry-leading performance through best-in-class safety, quality and a culture of pride and craftsmanship that makes H-D the most desirable place to work while making it the benchmark for others in the industry to model.   
 

Job Responsibilities

Leadership Responsibilities 

• Lead organizational and cultural transformation efforts within manufacturing operations.  Advocate and lead change management within the organization. 
• Develop, set, and maintain the manufacturing strategy. 
• Provide clear and concise direction, goals, and strategies to team members. 
• Effectively lead and teach the Continuous Improvement System. 
• Lead team to establish and implement employee engagement and recognition actions.  Provide leadership and resources to ensure that all employees have positive morale, are highly productive and are able to successfully accomplish short and long-term goals. 
• Mentor and motivate direct and indirect reports. 
• Display impeccable written and verbal communication skills employing visible leadership and personal communication. 
• Create meaningful relationships with our union partners built on a foundation of trust and accountability to establish a desirable workplace for our employees. 
• Promote, practice and protect the Harley-Davidson policies, company values, leadership behaviors, and #1 principles. 
• Exude strong program management skills and maintain a pulse on progress while addressing and adapting to real-time risks and issues.   
• Demonstrate the ability to lead and gain results through influence of peers and senior leaders including union leadership. 

Business Metrics 

• Establish and implement key operational metrics through the CIS and Work Unit Plan (WUP).   
• Assure attainment of key business metrics within manufacturing operations.  
• Own measured results and drive corrective actions when targets are not met. 
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement processes. 
• Champion corporate policies, systems, and work instructions. 
• Responsible for resource assignments and coordination of operational plans.   

Collaboration & Teamwork 

• Willingly work with others up, down, and across the organization to get results. 
• Drive team and operational performance by working with others. 
• Coach team to become change agents within their operating area of expertise. 
• Actively listen and solicit input and feedback from relevant stakeholders before making a decision. 
• Effectively manage conflict. 

Communication 

• Communicates efficiently and effectively in real time to all levels of the organization. 
• Actively listens and seeks out the opinions of others. 
• Focuses on facts and process. 
• Shares information honestly and transparently

Education Requirements

Education Specifications

• Bachelor's in Engineering or Business Degree Preferred
• MBA Preferred

Experience Requirements

This position requires a minimum of 12 years of leadership experience in manufacturing operations preferably in the automotive, off-highway, all terrain, all purpose vehicle industries with cross-disciplinary experience in safety, quality, human resources, finance, materials management, process engineering, maintenance, environmental, product development, and shop floor supervision.  In addition, the successful candidate will have demonstrated the following:   

• Experience managing operations within a union environment and extensive knowledge of collective bargaining agreements. 
• Ability to be firm, fair, and consistent in decision-making and able to professionally provide objective feedback 
• Demonstrated proficiency in leading and managing effective teams.   
• Proven track record and knowledge in implementing negotiated agreements.   
• Must be knowledgeable of industry quality standards and processes – APQP, 8D, ISO, PPAP, DFSS, etc. 
• Must be knowledgeable of general engineering and manufacturing development processes and tools – DFMEA, DVP&R, PFMEA, Control Plan, etc.   
• Expertise in budgeting, cash management, and cost controls. Ability to capture significant savings through process improvements, innovations, and budget management.   
• Subject matter expert in the execution of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement activities.   
• Extensive knowledge of machining manufacturing processes preferred.