Director of Operations – Startup Manufacturing | High-Growth Platform

Director of Operations – Early-Stage Manufacturing PlatformConfidential Client | North Georgia (On-Site)Why you should be interested in this role:This Director of Operations role is a ground-floor leadership opportunity with a founder-led manufacturing startup preparing to launch its first production facility in February 2026.This is a rare chance to build an operation from day one, not fix a broken plant, not manage through layers, but to help design how the business runs as it scales from startup to a $40–$50M revenue platform over the next several years.This role is intentionally hands-on in the early stages. The right leader will be deeply involved in production, staffing, workflow, and daily execution while also keeping an eye on what needs to be built—people, process, metrics, and systems—to support rapid growth without unnecessary complexity.If you are energized by startup environments, value practical execution over bureaucracy, and enjoy building something the right way from the beginning, this role offers both challenge and long-term impact.ROLE CTQs (Critical to Quality):Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or related field preferred7–15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experiencePrior experience as a Plant Manager or Manufacturing Operations Manager in a growing environmentDemonstrated success in startup, greenfield, or early-stage manufacturing operations is a plusStrong understanding of production flow, labor-driven operations, and hands-on leadershipFamiliarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologiesComfortable operating with limited infrastructure while building scalable disciplineMust be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorshipCompany:ConfidentialPosition:Director of OperationsLocation:Southern Part of Hall County in Northern Georgia (On-Site)Reporting:COOCompensation:Competitive base compensation with performance-based incentive Bonus Relocation:Local or regional candidates preferredLimited relocation assistance may be consideredCompany Profile:Our client is a privately held, founder-led manufacturing startup preparing to launch a differentiated product platform in a competitive market. The leadership team brings prior entrepreneurial and operating experience and is intentionally building the business quietly ahead of market entry.The company’s strategy emphasizes operational discipline, product quality, and scalable execution, with a clear plan to grow rapidly over the next three to five years. This role plays a central part in shaping how that growth occurs.Position Description and Responsibilities:The Director of Operations is accountable for the day-to-day execution and build-out of manufacturing operations, with ownership of safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity.This is a highly visible role requiring daily presence on the floor and close partnership with leadership.Startup Execution & Operational Build (Primary Focus)Lead daily production operations during plant startup and ramp-upEstablish foundational operating rhythms, metrics, and accountabilityBalance hands-on execution with thoughtful system developmentEnsure quality standards and customer commitments are met consistentlyPeople & Leadership DevelopmentRecruit, develop, and mentor early production and operations team membersSet clear expectations for performance, problem-solving, and escalationBuild supervisory capability as the organization growsCreate a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvementProcess Discipline & Continuous ImprovementIntroduce practical Lean principles without over-engineering processesImprove workflow, throughput, and labor productivity as volume increasesImplement standard work, visual management, and basic KPI trackingSupport future automation or system investments with clear ROI logicCross-Functional & Supply Chain CoordinationCoordinate with suppliers, vendors, and service partnersManage inventory, material flow, and basic supply chain executionPartner with leadership on capacity planning and growth readinessPosition Critical to Quality + Success (CTQ+S): Technical Requirements:Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and production managementExperience tracking and improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost metricsComfort using basic ERP, dashboards, or operational reporting toolsSolid financial and labor cost awarenessPosition Critical to Quality + Success (CTQ+S): Leadership / Behavioral Requirements:Leads from the floor, not from an officeComfortable making decisions in ambiguous, fast-moving environmentsBalances urgency with thoughtful executionBuilds structure without bureaucracyEarns trust through consistency, clarity, and follow-throughEnergized by startup and growth-stage challengesThis role is not for someone who:Prefers established systems and large corporate infrastructureAvoids hands-on involvement in daily operationsNeeds fully built teams and processes to be effectiveIs uncomfortable with ambiguity or rapid changeSeeks a purely strategic or oversight-only role