Director of Operations

Hitachi Energy is recruiting for a Director of Operations. The role will be based in Jefferson City, Missouri manufacturing plant. This is Hitachi Energy's largest plant globally and we will offer relocation assistance. The role will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing all operational activities to ensure efficiency, productivity, and profitability across designated operational manufacturing value stream. This role requires a strategic leader capable of driving continuous improvement and fostering a culture of operational excellence.

Job Responsibilities

* Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with Hitachi's overall business objectives.
* Optimize workflows, processes, and systems to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
* Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions to ensure targets are met or exceeded.
* Oversee budget planning, staffing, and management for operational departments, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
* Drive ITM (continuous improvement) initiatives through the adoption of ITM methodologies and best practices.
* Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Engineering, Quality, HSSE, Process Engineering and downstream production departments.
* Develop and mentor operational teams, fostering a high-performance culture and promoting professional growth.
* Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations, quality standards, and company policies.
* Identify and mitigate operational risks, implementing robust contingency plans.

Job Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
* Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior people leadership role within a large-scale manufacturing organization.
* Proven track record of successfully leading and optimizing complex operational processes.
* Strong understanding of supply chain management, logistics, production planning, and quality control principles.
* Demonstrated experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
* Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
* Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and motivate diverse teams.
* Proficiency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and other operational software.
* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
* Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and cost control.

As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.