Director of Operations

Ferrara/KME are premiere manufacturers of fire trucks and emergency response vehicles offering a full line of pumpers, aerials, industrial, wildland, and rescue apparatus. Working hands-on with both municipal and industrial fire departments, the Ferrara/KME team thrives on diagnosing departments' current apparatus limitations and response needs to custom design the perfect fire apparatus solution that will stand the test of time.

Ferrara/KME is part of the larger REV Group (NYSE: REVG), a leading manufacturer of specialty vehicles for the fire & emergency and recreation markets. REV Group’s extensive vehicle line-up includes models such as ambulances, fire trucks, terminal trucks, RV’s and much more. Our 6,500+ employees continuously demonstrate their commitment to building innovative and reliable vehicles that our customers can depend on whether for a family trip across the U.S. or when responding to an emergency. Rev Group is a veteran friendly employer and hires over 200 veterans and or those transferring out of the military each year.

The Director of Operations is responsible leading a team of salaried and direct labor associates in the manufacture and assembly of products, components, and parts at our fire manufacturing facility located in Holden, LA. The Director is accountable for setting strategic direction in operations to deliver the highest quality product while maximizing company profit in line with REV’s mission and vision. This role requires expert knowledge and application of lean manufacturing principles to drive continuous improvement in meeting company goals and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Directly leads and supervises a manufacturing team of Production Managers/Production Supervisors and hourly employees in all manufacturing processes in a facility or multiple facilities. May also take a leadership role in activities outside of direct span of control, such as Product Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, etc.… Responsible for ensuring all production areas are scheduled and staffed appropriately to meet schedule commitments and cycle time requirements. Prioritizes and manages the workflow within all departments to ensure timely and efficient task completion in accordance with the production schedule. Provides the resources required for the manufacturing team to meet commitments. Responsible for medium to long-term range planning activities such as line-set up, equipment capacity, material flow, and employee staffing to meet customer demand and takt time requirements. Assumes leadership role in identifying and coordinating maintenance activity on plant and equipment, identification of plant needs for safety/security and any risk mitigation needs as required. Ensures all equipment, materials, tools, and processes used are of the highest quality and all production standards are followed. Owns facility(s) and/or responsible department value stream maps. Working expertise in value stream mapping and managing the business through current state/future state improvements. Directs the development, planning and execution of the value stream. Participates in company goal setting, deployment and strategic planning activities, typically detailing 1st level improvement initiatives and targets to improve. Sets strategic direction for the plant/facility in accordance with business goals and objectives. Leads project activities and directs, coaches, mentors employees on project execution to deliver results. Assumes leadership and expertise of lean manufacturing principles. Accountable for the implementation and sustainment of lean within areas of responsibility. Must be change agent and ambassador for continuous improvement. Must be able to teach/train employees at all levels on the concepts of lean. Must proactively lead the engagement of all personnel in the implementation of the principles and tools of lean. Accountability for ensuring all quality, regulatory and ISO requirements are met. Responsible for making sure appropriate actions are taken to meet all requirements, including stopping production if appropriate. Responsible for safety and environmental compliance of the facility and surrounding grounds. Holds departmental employees accountable for following all OSHA and company policies and regulations. Actively leads safety improvement activities. Responsible for development, compliance and enforcement of all company policies and procedures. Ensures consistent and effective employee relations. Recommends rewards/recognition as appropriate. Initiates necessary disciplinary actions as required. Communicates and interfaces with other senior leaders driving effective liaisons with other departments such as Materials, Engineering, Sales, and Product Management. Provides technical expertise for problem resolution and drives root cause and corrective actions. Responsible for meeting established department budgets. Leads activities for staffing requirements and selection of departmental personnel. Determines area budget goals for personnel, equipment, supplies and other cost elements to assure ongoing company profitability. Evaluates and verifies employee performance through review of completed work assignments, work techniques and leadership skills. Builds and mentors individuals and teams and identifies staff development/training needs. Builds strong and trusted relationships with dealers and customers who travel to the facility

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Demonstrates ownership and leads with inspiration and a sense of urgency. Strong emotional maturity, with a heart for people and leading change through buy-in Proven track record of developing and leading high-performing teams with a focus on change management. Strong understanding of lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies Thorough understanding of practices, theories, and policies involved in business and finance of manufacturing. Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Strong Excel skills are required. Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, with demonstrated team building and conflict resolution ability. Ability to calmly think, act, and excel in high-pressure, chaotic, or ambiguous situations. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, ERP/MRP (SAP ideal), and other related software. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and drive for results. Detailed knowledge and experience with manufacturing processes

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree in related field required, Masters degree preferred (MBA or mfg.-related are a strong plus) Minimum 10 years work-related experience, 7 years in a Leadership capacity Practical experience in industrial environments (including electrical, mechanical, welding, metal fabrication, etc.) Experience in vehicle production or custom manufacturing environment Previous experience with P&L or Cost Center responsibility

#J-18808-Ljbffr