Operations Director

Description

Make an Impact. Lead with Purpose. Drive Operational Excellence.

At Durham Exchange Club Industries (DECI), our mission is both simple and powerful: to open doors of opportunity for individuals with disabilities. We are committed to helping people with vocational disabilities discover their strengths, build self-worth, and achieve their full potential through meaningful work and competitive wages. DECI is committed to delivering excellence for our customers while fostering a workplace where every individual can thrive.

We are seeking a dynamic Operations Director who is passionate about both operational excellence and people-centered leadership. In this role, you’ll oversee production, warehouse, and facilities operations while helping advance a mission that truly makes a difference in the community. This is more than a leadership role - it’s an opportunity to shape efficient systems, empower diverse teams, and contribute to a purpose-driven organization where your impact is both measurable and meaningful.

What You’ll Do
Leadership & Operational Strategy

• Lead and inspire teams across Production, Warehouse, Facilities, and Engineering
• Collaborate with Production Managers to optimize scheduling, quality, job setup, and new product introduction
• Partner with the COO on long-term strategy, capacity planning, and technology implementation
• Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Operational Excellence

• Oversee inventory management, space planning, and equipment allocation
• Ensure seamless movement of materials within the ERP system and into production
• Monitor production progress to meet - and exceed - customer deadlines
• Develop and implement KPIs and reporting tools to enhance productivity and reduce costs

Facilities & Maintenance Management

• Manage preventative maintenance and repairs for production equipment and infrastructure
• Coordinate with vendors for installations, service contracts, and complex repairs
• Ensure facilities meet operational needs, including support for lease customers

Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure adherence to ISO 9001, FDA, and CARF standards
• Lead resolution of quality issues and implement preventative solutions
• Maintain a strong focus on safety, organization, and operational excellence

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with Sales, Customer Service, and Production teams to align on customer needs and schedules
• Foster strong relationships across departments and with external stakeholders
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on operations, facilities, and inventory

People Leadership & Development

• Coach, mentor, and develop leaders and team members
• Oversee hiring, performance management, and staff development
• Champion a positive, inclusive culture that supports individuals of all abilities
• Promote professional growth through training and development opportunities

Why DECI? At DECI, we believe in creating opportunities, empowering people, and delivering excellence. You’ll join a team dedicated to making a difference - while building a career that’s both impactful and rewarding.

• Mission-driven work
• Collaborative, people-first culture
• Opportunities for growth and leadership
• Commitment to inclusion

Ready to lead, innovate, and make an impact? Apply today and help shape the future of operations at DECI. 

Requirements

 What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Business, or related field – or – 5+ years of successful leadership experience in operations, production, or project management
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple teams and priorities
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution abilities
• Experience in quality systems, compliance, and process improvement
• High level of judgment, initiative, and problem-solving capability
• Advanced organizational skills with the ability to manage complex operations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

What Sets You Apart

• You lead with integrity, empathy, and accountability
• You thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments
• You’re passionate about continuous improvement and innovation
• You’re committed to equity and inclusion

Additional Requirements

• Ability to lift/move up to 35 lbs. and support production tasks as needed
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and schedules
• Willingness to assist in emergency situations (including restraint if certified)
• Maintain accurate records and ensure secure facility operations

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Computer Skills: Exceptional computer training/experience. MS Office environment (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

Other Requirements: U.S. Citizen or U.S. work qualification