Director of Operations - North Region

Director Of OperationsThe Director of Operations is responsible for leading and sustaining a Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) operating system across distribution operations and customer service. This role ensures consistent execution, continuous improvement, and customer-focused performance across People, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (PQDC). The Director of Operations drives both incremental daily improvements and breakthrough improvements through rapid improvement events and strategic initiatives, while developing strong operational and customer service leadership capability throughout the organization. This role will ideally be based in either Fortville, IN, or Byron Center/Grand Rapids, MI, and will be responsible for overseeing regional operational performance while traveling approximately 50% of the time.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesDistribution Operations (multi-site or regional)Customer Service (order entry and customer responsiveness)People developmentHiring and training departmental managers and other team members as requiredOrganize and oversee the work and schedules of departmental managersManages discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policyJob Duties/ResponsibilitiesEstablish standard daily, weekly, and monthly operating procedures (tiered meetings, visual management, KPI reviews)Ensure performance gaps are identified, root causes understood, and countermeasures implemented and sustainedOperations and Customer Service Performance (PQDC)People Lead & liaise with Safety Officers to build a strong safety culture through standard work, audits, & leadership behaviorsQuality - Own customer-facing quality performanceDelivery - Lead distribution execution to achieve and exceed customer delivery and responsiveness expectationsCost - Drive productivity to scale the business effectively and maximize value for the customerContinuous Improvement LeadershipLead incremental improvements in each Operational and Customer Service metric through effective engagement, root cause work and timely corrective actionsLead breakthrough improvement initiatives through Rapid Improvement Events and cross-functional strategic projectsLeadership & People DevelopmentLead and coach operational and customer service leadershipOwn development planning for all direct reportsEnsure managers actively coach and develop their teamsBuild a pipeline of future leaders through intentional development and exposureCross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with cross-functional teams across the organization to:Align operational capacity and supply with customer demandEnsure adequate and appropriate stocking strategiesBalance service levels, inventory investment, and cost-to-serveAct as the operational voice in demand, capacity, and inventory discussionsPlan, direct, implement, evaluate, monitor, and forecast budgets and cost of sales in each division to achieve financial objectivesEnsure all team members are informed and aware of policies, procedures, business performance and site-level performance on a regular basisProjects a positive image of the organization to employees, customers, industry, and communityPerforms other related duties as assignedRequirementsThorough understanding of practices, theories, and policies involved in business and financeSuperior verbal and written communication and interpersonal skillsSuperior managerial and diplomacy skillsProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or related softwarePractice applied mathematics in collecting and quantifying data to make informed decisions for the businessEffective presentation of data to review recommendationsAbility to effectively organize and operate in a high-paced, dynamic work environmentEducation and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Production, Operations, Supply Chain, Business Management, Industrial Engineering or related fieldMaster's degree in Business Administration preferredExtensive and diversified background with at least 10 years of related experiencePhysical RequirementsProlonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computerMust be able to lift up to 15 pounds at timesBenefitsMedical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.401(k) Plan.Paid Time OffPaid Holidays.Company Paid Life Insurance.Company Paid Short-Term Disability.Company Paid Long-Term Disability.Employee Assistance Program.About SurfacePrepFounded in 1956, SurfacePrep is North America's leading provider of surface enhancement solutions, with over 60 facilities across the United States, Canada, and Europe. With decades of experience, we deliver reliable equipment, consumables, and technical expertise that help manufacturers enhance performance, efficiency, and finishing quality across their operations.At SurfacePrep, we understand the importance of dependable and effective surface enhancement solutions. Our team partners with trusted manufacturers to provide comprehensive process improvements, hands-on technical support, and high-quality products across a wide range of applications including coated and bonded abrasives, abrasive air and wheel blasting, mass finishing, paint and powder coating, additive manufacturing post-processing, and turnkey production services that help customers eliminate risk, protect uptime, and maintain consistent quality.Our national footprint combines local expertise with a robust network of resources, ensuring consistency, responsiveness, and innovation for customers across aerospace, automotive, medical, defense, general manufacturing, and more.By partnering with SurfacePrep, customers gain more than products they gain a collaborative team committed to delivering results beyond the surface.

Created: 2026-03-16