Director of Manufacturing Operations

Job Title: Director of Manufacturing Operations Department: 312-Factory
Reports To: Vice President of Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: RAE Corporation – Pryor, Oklahoma
Position Type: Full-Time | Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

About Us: RAE Corporation is a leading provider of innovative HVAC solutions, delivering unmatched quality and customer satisfaction. We value a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and employee empowerment. Our team thrives in a positive work environment where every member is respected and supported.

Role Overview: The Director of Manufacturing Operations is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of plant operations. This role drives operational excellence across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people by translating company strategy into disciplined execution on the production floor.

This position provides senior-level leadership to plant management, supervisors, and production teams, ensuring predictable throughput, high-quality output, and continuous improvement aligned with RAE Corporation’s standards and long-term business objectives. The Director partners closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and EHS to remove constraints, develop leaders, and scale sustainable manufacturing systems.

Key Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Operations & Production Management

• Direct and manage plant production operations while partnering with Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain leadership.
• Ensure on-time production of finished goods in alignment with RAE Corporation standards and efficiency expectations.
• Maintain clear visibility of production schedules; keep teams productive and minimize downtime or wasted time.
• Read, understand, and enforce manufacturing instructions to ensure build-to-spec execution.
• Read and understand engineering drawings and bills of material to support accurate production.

2. Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Lead by example in enforcing safety programs and safe work practices; coach and correct unsafe behaviors.
• Identify and correct safety hazards; respond to employee safety concerns promptly.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA requirements and applicable CFR 1910 regulations.
• Report workplace injuries timely and partner with EHS to address hazards, coordinate time off, and support transitional duty.
• Comply with all government regulations, company policies, and procedures.

3. People Leadership & Performance Management

• Provide leadership, direction, and development to Production Supervisors and Lead Operators.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and corrective action as needed.
• Discipline employees fairly and consistently; document performance and behavioral actions.
• Resolve employee issues promptly and equitably while maintaining proper documentation.
• Set a positive example through professionalism, accountability, and optimism.

4. Talent Development & Workforce Planning

• Interview candidates and advise leadership on hiring and selection decisions.
• Oversee onboarding and training programs to ensure new hires are equipped to succeed.
• Support continuous learning by attending and encouraging leadership and safety training.

5. Communication & Organizational Alignment

• Clearly communicate company goals, operational plans, and expectations to employees.
• Reinforce the importance of individual contributions to departmental and company success.
• Ensure consistent understanding and enforcement of company policies across the workforce.

6. General & Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain regular attendance in accordance with the Employee Handbook.
• Complete additional duties as assigned by the Vice President of Operations.

Desired Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.

Experience

• Progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment with demonstrated responsibility for production, safety, quality, and people leadership.
• Proven experience leading supervisors and frontline leaders, driving operational performance, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience partnering cross-functionally with Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and EHS teams.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong operational and business acumen with the ability to translate strategic objectives into disciplined execution.
• Effective leadership, coaching, and performance management skills.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to analyze production data, schedules, and performance metrics to drive decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing systems (ERP/MRP experience preferred).
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving abilities.

Certifications, Licenses, or Training

• OSHA 10-hour certification preferred (or ability to obtain).
• Formal leadership or supervisory training preferred.

Interaction with Others: Reports directly to the Vice President of Operations and works in close partnership with senior leadership to execute operational strategy. Maintains frequent and effective communication with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, EHS, and Human Resources to ensure alignment and operational success.

This role requires the ability to collaborate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization, fostering a culture of cooperation, accountability, and mutual respect across the RAE team.

Working Environment & Physical Demands: Work is primarily performed in an industrial manufacturing environment with regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, material handling equipment, and production vehicles. Noise levels may be high in certain areas, and temperature conditions may vary due to seasonal and operational factors.

This role may involve extended hours and elevated levels of responsibility during peak production periods to meet delivery schedules, quality standards, and operational objectives.

Why Join Us? RAE Corporation offers leaders the opportunity to make a real impact by shaping operations, developing teams, and driving meaningful results. As Director of Manufacturing Operations, you will partner closely with executive leadership to turn strategy into execution while leading critical manufacturing operations that support growth and customer commitments. This role provides visibility, influence, and the chance to build a strong, accountable leadership culture within a stable, values-driven organization committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

Other Physical Requirements: Auditory capabilities, visual & speech capabilities

The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and primary duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional procedures and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment. The Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.

RAE Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer
EEO/AA M/F/V/D