Director, Operations

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for nearly a century. Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

As the Director of Operations at our Columbia, MO Manufacturing Center of Excellence, you will lead the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the site. The ideal candidate is a seasoned operations leader with deep Lean expertise, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver exceptional results.

In this role, you will be involved in all aspects of manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, and quality, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with business objectives. You will play a critical role in driving operational excellence, supporting new product integration, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on, visionary leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and is energized by innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and delivering world-class products. The position reports directly to the Senior Director of Operations for the U.S.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead all site operations to consistently meet or exceed safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Build, coach, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Champion Lean principles to drive process efficiency, improve throughput, and enhance equipment effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Business Units (BUs) and New Product Development (NPD) teams to ensure smooth product launches and operational readiness.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to track performance, productivity, and Lean maturity.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, environmental, and industry standards.
• Manage site budgets, capital investments, and resources with a focus on operational efficiency and ROI.
• Promote a culture of quality through robust control systems and a commitment to excellence.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and systems to strengthen manufacturing capabilities.
• Lead site-level engagement initiatives aligned with Watlow's purpose, vision, and strategy.
• Foster open communication and collaboration across teams, leadership, and stakeholders.
• Identify and execute cost-reduction opportunities across products, processes, and operations.
• Represent the site within the Watlow Business System (WBS) and ensure consistent adoption of best practices.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed (<10%).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering.
• 10+ years of Lean leadership experience with a proven track record of implementation.
• Strong project management capabilities.

Desired Qualifications Diversity & Inclusion

• Advanced degree (MS/MBA) in business or engineering.
• Experience leading change management initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in the semiconductor industry.

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.