Overview:
Dakota Granite is seeking a passionate, experienced, and detail-oriented Director of Operations to join our strong team. Looking for an individual with a growth mindset that has a proven ability to help scale an organization. An extensive background in Manufacturing is required. Offering a competitive total compensation package. An ideal candidate will be highly proactive and involved in working both “on” and "in” the business. First and foremost, we are looking for a Core Value fit.
Our Core Values:
Team Player, Empowered Optimism, Passion for Excellence, Problem Solver, Tenacity to Deliver
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including multi-site responsibility.
- 5+ years of plant/facility leadership experience
- Proven track record of leading large, cross-functional manufacturing teams
- Experience managing plant budgets, cost control, and operational performance
- Background leading factory startups, expansions, and optimization initiatives.
- Deep expertise in custom/engineered-to-order manufacturing environments
- Strong background in capacity planning, automation, and operational excellence methodologies (i.e. Lean, Six Sigma, or similar).
- Demonstrated success deploying advanced manufacturing techniques and driving measurable productivity gains
- Experience managing large-scale capital projects and complex cross-functional initiatives.
- Adept use and application of technology
- Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Strong executive presence with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
- Bachelor’s degree in relatable field
Core Roles & Responsibilities
Lead, Manage, & Accountability (LMA)
- Gains mastery of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and equip teams with applying EOS
- Provide strategic and clear direction for a wide range of Operational Leaders
- Provide the necessary tools to Direct Reports: resources, training, technology, time and attention
- Keeps expectations clear on both sides with attention to the company’s top priorities
- Balances daily operations and long-term goals
Remove Obstacles & Barriers
- Conduct Regular 1:1s to understand challenges, provide support, and keep priorities clear
- Facilitates effective meetings focused on solving issues and finding opportunities
- Helps teams find true root issues and make decisions to continually move forward
- Identifies and reduces roadblocks that prevent teams from meeting goals
- Escalates major issues when needed and ensures follow-through
Ensure Operational Efficiency
- Improve production flow, quality, safety, and on-time delivery across all locations
- Identify and remove bottlenecks that slow down production.
- Maximizes utilization of labor, equipment, materials, and technology
- Tracks & applies data to drive future actions
- Lead continuous improvement efforts that reduce waste and improve performance
- Establish, monitor and maintain operating KPI’s including, but not limited to, labor and overhead variances
- Utilize Epicor Kinetic ERP and MRP to find and increase efficiencies and improve data transparency/reporting
Set Management Priorities
- Set clear priorities for operational leaders and teams.
- Keep teams focused on the most critical company goals.
- Balance daily production needs with long-term improvement projects.
- Make sure leaders understand expectations, ownership, and deadlines.
- Follow up consistently to ensure progress and accountability.
Craft and Maintain Company Policy
- Help create and maintain clear company policies, processes, and procedures
- Support in organizational effort toward Followed by All (FBA) on company processes
- Work with Leadership and HR to improve safety, accountability, and performance standards
- Review and update policies as the business grows and changes
- Support practical, easy-to-follow SOPs across operations
Oversee Employee Development
- Help employees grow personally and professionally.
- Coach and develop supervisors, managers, and future leaders.
- Support training plans that help employees succeed in their roles.
- Build a positive, accountable work environment.
- Help improve employee retention through strong leadership and clear expectations.
We are seeking candidates who are willing to relocate to the Milbank, SD area.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Lean manufacturing: 5 years (Preferred)
- Plant/Facility Leadership: 5 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
