Director of Operations

Business Unit: Medeco Security Locks

Location: Salem, VA (on-site)

Department: Operations

EEO Job Status: Full-time Salaried Exempt

Reports To: General Manager, Medeco

Pay Range: $155,000 - $180,000 (20%-30% bonus potential)

Overview:

Lead the transformation of one of the security industry's most respected brands. Medeco designs and manufactures high-security mechanical and electronic locking solutions that protect critical assets through products known for quality, precision, and innovation.

Position Summary: 

Medeco is seeking a transformational operations leader to drive performance today while building the manufacturing organization of tomorrow.

As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Operations & Operational Excellence is responsible for the strategy, performance, and continuous improvement of Medeco's operations. This role combines operational accountability with a mandate to accelerate growth through automation, operational excellence, technology adoption, and talent development.

Key Responsibilities:

  Strategic and Operational Leadership 

• Develop and execute an operations strategy that supports business growth, profitability, execution consistency, and customer commitments. 

• Lead manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, responsiveness, productivity, inventory, and financial objectives. 

• Drive transformation through automation, process innovation, and continuous improvement to strengthen customer experience and competitiveness. 

• Partner with the Leadership Team to establish priorities, allocate resources, and build organizational capability. 

  Continuous Improvement & Transformation 

• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven decision making. 

• Establish KPI-driven management systems and accountability. 

• Ensure consistent delivery of customer commitments for quality, responsiveness, and on-time performance. 

• Leverage best practices, technology, and analytics to strengthen competitiveness. 

  Leadership, Culture & Compliance

• Build, develop, and retain a high-performing operations organization. 

• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, engagement, safety, and quality. 

• Develop future leaders through succession planning and talent development. 

• Ensure compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and company policies. 

Qualifications:

  Required 

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field. 

• 15+ years of progressive manufacturing experience with significant operational leadership responsibility. 

• Proven success leading complex manufacturing operations and delivering measurable business results. 

• Strong experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational transformation. 

• Strong financial acumen, communication skills, and leadership capability. 

  Preferred 

• MBA or advanced business or technical degree. 

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. 

• Experience in precision manufacturing, security products, engineered products, aerospace, defense, or electromechanical industries. 

• Experience implementing automation, advanced manufacturing technologies, and Industry 4.0 initiatives. 

Medeco is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunity (“EEO”) to all qualified persons.