Director of Operations (Assembly Site USA)

Our client is a globally recognized European leader in bioprocess technologies, specializing in precision-engineered analytical lab equipment and control systems for the life sciences sector. With operations spanning approximately 80 countries and a long-standing heritage, they serve leading research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and industrial biotech firms worldwide. Our client is seeking a Director of Operations to lead the day-to-day operational performance of their U.S. assembly site with full accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people performance. The successful candidate will translate global operational strategies into effective local execution, build scalable manufacturing infrastructure, and establish processes that support aggressive growth targets in the North American market while maintaining the precision and compliance standards synonymous with the company's Swiss engineering heritage. The ideal candidate is an accomplished operational leader with deep expertise in precision manufacturing or engineered products, proven success managing site-level operations with P&L accountability, and the ability to excel in a matrix organization with international reporting structures. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape operational capabilities for a growing North American operation while leveraging the resources, expertise, and reputation of an established global organization. Key Responsibilities: Direct all production activities, material flow, production planning, purchasing, logistics, and supply chain operations to ensure efficient and compliant delivery of biotechnology instrumentation Execute corporate operations strategies, standards, and KPIs at the site level; establish performance targets and implement monitoring systems to drive on-time delivery, customer satisfaction, and optimal resource utilization Manage site-level budget, cost control, and operational results; identify and implement cost-reduction strategies and margin improvement opportunities without compromising quality Oversee purchasing, procurement, vendor management, inventory control, and warehousing operations to ensure material availability, favorable commercial terms, and supply chain efficiency Develop, maintain, and continuously improve manufacturing documentation, SOPs, and process controls in alignment with quality systems and regulatory requirements (ISO, OSHA) Serve as primary North American operational liaison with Swiss headquarters on manufacturing standards, quality requirements, technology transfer initiatives, and process improvements Lead capacity planning, facility infrastructure projects, and continuous improvement programs to support business scaling and operational excellence Key Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field required; Master's degree or MBA preferred Minimum 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, assembly, or plant management, preferably in industrial, engineered products, or precision instrumentation environments Proven track record managing site-level operations with full accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people performance Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, EHS requirements, and U.S. labor law in manufacturing settings Hands-on experience with Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, continuous improvement methodologies, and data-driven decision-making Proficiency with SAP or similar ERP systems strongly preferred; solid understanding of supply chain management, vendor management, and warehousing in precision manufacturing environments Experience working in matrix organizations with international reporting lines; familiarity with European mid-sized company culture highly beneficial.