Director of Operations

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for plant operations including production, while maintaining EHS and quality compliance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to meet or exceed business objectives in safety, quality, productivity, on-time delivery, and cost management.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing operations team, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory, safety, and company policies and procedures.
• Provide tactical oversight for production planning and scheduling to meet customer demand and inventory management objectives.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and operational efficiency across all functional areas.
• Lead plant KPI development, tracking, and reporting; regularly communicate performance to senior leadership and plant personnel.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with EHS, quality, maintenance/engineering, HR, supply chain, finance, and customer service teams to achieve operational goals.
• Champion lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate as a key contributor in strategic planning and decision-making processes for plant performance, capacity expansion, and capital investment.
• Serve as a critical member of the site leadership team, with the opportunity to step into higher levels of responsibility as readiness is demonstrated.

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 8-12+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, including 5+ years in a senior management role.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale manufacturing operations and achieving operational targets.
• Strong leadership, people management, and team development skills.
• Solid understanding of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies, and operational best practices.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Financial and budget management experience.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems, production planning, and manufacturing technology.

At Lakeside Book, we value craftsmanship and collaboration by encouraging employees to improve their skills and capabilities. To that end, in addition to meeting the qualification requirements for this position, preference will be given to candidates who agree to participate in cross-training. This includes achieving qualified status within the position and assuming responsibility as a backup for lateral and progressive roles, as needed.

• Salary: $170,000 - $200,000, based on experience

With roots dating back to 1921, our Crawfordsville site is founded on over a century of craftsmanship, community pride, and long-term opportunities. As part of a leading industry organization, we are proud to be a local employer of choice. Our team consists of approximately 850 dedicated and skilled employees who take pride in their work's impact around the world. Whether just starting your career or seeking a place to grow, we welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experiences.

Crawfordsville offers an excellent quality of life, whether you're a resident or considering relocation:

• Enjoy outdoor activities with nearby parks, trails, kayaking, and camping.
• Participate in local events like the Covered Bridge Festival, Strawberry Festival, and the Taste of Montgomery County.
• Explore cultural attractions such as the Rotary Jail Museum, Athens Arts Gallery, and various events at Wabash College.

• Safety is a core value, and we take pride in being recognized as a VPP Star Site (Voluntary Protection Program through IOSHA).
• Enjoy fun events like BBQs, pizza parties, and Family Day.
• We recognize achievements through service anniversaries, retirements, and apprenticeship graduations.
• Opportunities are available to join committees focused on Wellness, the Inclusion Council, and the Lakeside Club.

What Makes Crawfordsville Truly Stand Out?

With deep community ties and a history of employees staying for 25+ years, Crawfordsville offers more than just a job—it’s a place to build a meaningful career and make a difference.

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