Director of Operations

Company Description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

The Smiths Detection Operations Director position is located in Edgewood, MD and this role is part of the Operations Leadership Team, reporting to the VP of Operations.

The Operations Director is responsible for leading and managing the production manufacturing process facility at Edgewood, including production planning, resource allocation, quality control, and cost management. Key duties include overseeing production teams, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, optimizing efficiency, troubleshooting issues, and driving continuous improvement. The role involves close collaboration with all other operations departments and reporting on production performance to senior management.

SPECIFIC DUTIES, ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Manage directly or indirectly a group of approximately 60 employees including the development and successful implementation of a labor strategy.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the production process, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and deadlines are met.
• Supervise, train, and develop production staff, ensuring a high level of performance and motivation.
• Oversee the allocation of raw materials, equipment, and labor to ensure efficient production flows.
• Develop and implement production schedules to meet customer demand and optimize manufacturing timelines.
• Ensure products meet or exceed quality standards and conduct regular inspections to maintain consistency.
• Monitor and manage production budgets, reduce costs, and minimize waste while maintaining product quality.
• Enforce health, safety, and environmental regulations to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
• Identify areas for process improvement and lead initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce costs, including implementing Lean or Six Sigma practices along with other operations work streams.
• Work closely with other departments (e.g., supply chain, manufacturing engineering, quality, safety) to address issues and streamline processes.
• Maintain production records, generate performance reports, and provide updates to senior management on production status and challenges.
• Address production-related issues or disruptions quickly to minimize downtime and maintain operational efficiency.
• Strong focus on 5S, lean principles, and continuous improvement.
• Control production budgets, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure cost-effective operations without compromising quality.
• Integrate tools to continuously improve process yields, reducing costs of poor quality and driving shop floor productivity.

Qualifications

Education/Training: 

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Management or related discipline.  MBA or Master’s Degree in a Technical field is preferred.
• APICS certification (CPIM) desirable.
• Certifications such as Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt), Lean Manufacturing, or Project Management Professional (PMP) can be a plus.      

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Minimum 10 years of closely related experience in manufacturing operations with a strong background in operations, quality and/or materials management.
  Minimum 7 years of experience operating in a CI / Lean Manufacturing environment.
• Experience with consolidating multi-building / multi-site facilities.
• Experience working in a Union environment.
  Experience interfacing with internal and external customers strongly desired.
• Prefer detailed work experience in at least 3 of the following areas: Manufacturing/Assembly. Operations, Quality, Engineering (Design or Manufacturing), Materials/Procurement Customer interfacing experience.
• Sound knowled