Director of Operations

POSITION SUMMARYThe Director of Operations is responsible for strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of all production, purchasing, and inventory operations across both the Rosemount and East Bethel facilities. This role serves as the senior operations leader, managing Production Managers at each location as well as the Purchasing and Inventory Manager, ensuring operational consistency, process efficiency, financial performance, and team excellence across all departments and sites.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. Multi-Site Operations Leadership•       Provide strategic oversight and leadership of operations at both Rosemount and East Bethel locations.•       Establish and enforce consistent operational policies, processes, and best practices across all sites.•       Monitor and evaluate site-level KPIs; identify gaps and implement corrective actions.•       Facilitate regular cross-site communication and collaboration between teams.2. Production Management Oversight•       Oversee inside production processes at both locations, including dismantle operations:◦       Ensure dismantling is completed based on sales demand or FIFO processes.◦       Spot check completed vehicles for correct processing and quality standards.◦       Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the dismantle process.•       Oversee outside parts-pulling teams processes at both locations:◦       Monitor workflow to ensure equitable distribution of tasks, including difficult part types.◦       Ensure high-priority jobs are completed on time.◦       Support Production Managers in conducting team meetings for progress updates, goal check-ins, and morale building.•       Oversee MIA (Missing In Action) part investigations and ensure timely resolution.•       Identify and champion process improvement opportunities across all production functions.3. Purchasing & Inventory Oversight•       Directly manage the Purchasing and Inventory Manager and team, ensuring all vehicles purchased and inventoried meet aaa quality standards and perform to revenue projections.•       Oversee salvage vehicle acquisition within the framework of the established Cost of Goods table.•       Ensure the Purchasing and Inventory team is appropriately sized and compensated within budget, with reasonable overtime management.•       Oversee and support the expansion of offshore labor within the Purchasing and Inventory department where applicable.•       Collaborate with Production Managers and Inventory to facilitate Interchange updates as needed.•       Ensure inventory goals, workflows, and department measurables are aligned with production and order fulfillment timelines.•       Partner with the Purchasing and Inventory Manager to maintain clear communication with key vendors and partners, including Express Towing, salvage vehicle auction pools, and Benzeen Auto Parts, to stay current on industry standards.4. Cross-Departmental Collaboration•       Serve as the primary operations liaison to other departments, including QC/Order Fulfillment and U Pull.•       Partner with operations and sales managers across departments to ensure optimal company-wide operational efficiency.•       Develop and maintain cross-training plans for all operational teams to ensure coverage during absences.•       Work collaboratively with U Pull to ensure smooth property and vehicle flow.•       Maintain open communication with department managers regarding team member performance and shared goals.5. Human Resources & People Management•       Lead or participate in interviewing and hiring for open operations positions at both locations and across all managed departments.•       Partner with HR to identify resources for open positions, evaluate current team members, and develop meaningful employee engagement opportunities.•       Ensure employee timecards and bonus items are submitted by noon on Monday of payroll weeks; approve timecards bi-weekly and manage time-off requests across operations teams.•       Oversee the timely completion of performance discussions and annual performance reviews for all operations staff, including regular employee check-ins.•       Foster a positive team culture and build employee morale across all operational teams.•       Communicate company goals, progress, and expectations to all operations personnel.•       Oversee management of offshore labor teams within the Purchasing and Inventory department.6. Financial Oversight & Reporting•       Execute operational processes and communicate with C-level leaders in a manner that demonstrates thorough understanding of financial data, analysis, and key performance metrics.•       Ensure department operational and financial metrics are reported regularly to the COO and CFO; metrics must be clear, concise, and actionable.•       Conduct or oversee weekly team meetings across managed departments, driven by an agenda that includes company goals and an assessment of each team's contribution.•       Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising operational effectiveness.•       Oversee reporting of department key operational and financial metrics to COO and CFO in a clear and concise manner.7. Equipment, Maintenance & Safety•       Oversee the maintenance and operational readiness of all equipment and machinery across both sites, including:◦       Forklifts, yard trucks, Sawzalls, and other tools and machinery.•       Coordinate with the facilities and maintenance/repair department for timely repairs and preventive upkeep.•       Ensure all work environments remain safe, compliant, and in accordance with company safety standards and applicable regulations.•       Proactively address safety concerns and ensure all employees are trained in safe work practices.QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTSEducation & Experience•       3+ years of operations management experience, preferably in automotive or manufacturing.•       Proven experience managing managers and leading multi-site or multi-team operations.•       Experience in automotive dismantling, recycling, or parts operations is strongly preferred.Skills & Competencies•       Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills across multi-functional teams.•       Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple locations and departments.•       Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; proficient in reviewing and communicating and operational metrics.•       Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills; vendor relationship management experience a plus.•       Effective communicator with the ability to convey company goals clearly to all levels, including C-level leadership.•       Comfortable managing budgets, tracking spending, and making data-driven decisions.•       Proficient with Hollander Yard Management software preferred; expert-level understanding of Buddy Innovation Tools a plus.•       Knowledge of relevant safety regulations and safe workplace practices.•       Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.