Director of Operations

Director of Operations | Medical Device Manufacturing | Milwaukee, WI Area

A growing medical device plastics manufacturer in the Milwaukee, WI area is seeking a hands‑on Director of Operations to lead manufacturing operations across multiple plants and shifts. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on manufacturing profitability, operational excellence, team development, and continuous improvement.

Injection molding experience is critical for this position. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in injection molding , plastics manufacturing, and regulated medical device production, along with the leadership skills to drive improvements across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations across multiple facilities and shifts, including production, maintenance, and manufacturing resources


• Drive operational performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC)


• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to manufacturing teams and plant leadership


• Optimize labor, materials, equipment, and production resources to meet operating plans


• Drive injection molding process improvements, productivity, OEE, scrap reduction, and equipment utilization


• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, TPM, and waste reduction initiatives


• Establish and improve manufacturing KPIs, accountability systems, and performance management processes


• Partner with Quality to strengthen CAPA, problem solving, defect prevention, and process controls


• Support compliance with FDA, ISO 13485, and cGMP requirements


• Improve production planning, scheduling, throughput, and on-time delivery


• Manage manufacturing costs and support plant P&L and budget objectives


• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, HR, Sales, and New Product Development


• Develop training programs and workforce capabilities using structured approaches such as TWI


• Identify and execute projects that improve productivity, reduce waste, and increase manufacturing capacity

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or another technical discipline preferred


• 10+ years of manufacturing experience with strong injection molding or plastics processing experience


• Proven leadership experience overseeing manufacturing teams, preferably across multiple shifts or facilities


• Medical device manufacturing experience strongly preferred


• Knowledge of ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR 820, cGMP, and cleanroom manufacturing preferred


• Strong understanding of injection molding, manufacturing processes, OEE, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement


• Experience with ERP/MES systems and Microsoft 365
  
• Strong financial, analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills


• Excellent communication and leadership abilities with the ability to influence across all levels of an organization

Why This Opportunity?

• Join a growing medical device plastics manufacturer


• High-visibility leadership role with responsibility for multiple manufacturing operations


• Opportunity to directly impact profitability, capacity, quality, and operational performance


• Strong platform for a hands‑on Injection Molding leader who wants to help scale a growing organization


• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits