Director of Operations

Filter Service Inc. (FSI) is a leading Master Distributor of filtration-related products, catering to a diverse range of industries, including HVAC, Dust and Liquid, Paint Booth, Compressed Air, and Oil/Gas Filtration. In addition to our extensive product offerings, FSI is known for its exceptional Commercial and Industrial Air Filter Change-Out Services, with a remarkable track record of changing over 2200 filters per day at more than 4000 accounts. Our clients include both large and small industrial facilities, commercial establishments, contractors, chain accounts, hospitals, and public buildings.

Our vision for 2025 is ambitious as we strive to support revenue growth of $39 million. At FSI, we prioritize alignment with corporate goals and emphasize activities that contribute to and bolster customer revenue growth. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing an unmatched customer experience, setting us apart as a frontrunner in the filtration industry nationwide.

FSI takes pride in our distinctive position in the market, thanks to a strong differentiation statement that underscores our commitment to setting new standards in the industry. We are keen on employing individuals with exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, as we believe that effective communication is the key to our success. We place a high value on personal growth, recognizing that it directly correlates with superior performance. Our top performers consistently exhibit integrity and a deep-seated passion for customer satisfaction, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement.

SUMMARY

Our Director of Operations position is based in our Des Plaines headquarters and manages our organization's daily activities to ensure smooth, efficient, and cost-effective operations that align with strategic goals. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing operational strategies, managing budgets and financial reports, overseeing daily operations of warehouse and service. Manage staff to ensure operational efficiency and profitability, continuous improvement along with analyzing operational performance, driving strategic initiatives, leading and developing staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operational Oversight:
  • Manage day-to-day business functions, ensuring smooth distribution process across 4 warehouse locations around the Midwest with Warehouse Managers at each location.
  • Indirect supervision of our Service Team that performs our Filter Change-Out Service largely based out of Chicago with ability to perform at all Warehouse locations.
  • Five direct reports, 20+ Operations Staff. Conducts 1-2-1 meetings with direct reports
  • Participates in Weekly Leadership meeting and runs operations meetings
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement operational strategies to meet organizational goals and objectives.
• Budget & Financial Management: Create and monitor operating budgets, manage costs, and ensure financial efficiency.
• Process Improvement: Identify areas for improvement in business processes, procedures, and systems to increase efficiency and productivity.
• Team Leadership: Hire, manage, and develop a team of professionals, providing guidance on performance, training, and career growth by conducting performance reviews and succession planning.
• Supply Chain & Logistics: Oversee supply chain management, logistics, inventory control, and purchasing to ensure a stable flow of goods.
• Quality Control: Implement measures to ensure the quality of products and services meets company standards.
• Data Analysis: Analyze operational and performance data to identify trends, evaluate efficiency, and inform decision-making.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work with other departments (e.g., sales, account management, finance) to ensure alignment and integration of operational activities.
• Customer Experience / Customer Service:
  • Own the Customer Experience over the Warehouse and Service Teams which oversees all customer service operations, ensuring the delivery of timely, high-quality support across all channels, including phone, email, and chat.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for customer service metrics.
• Safety:
  • Compliance and auditing: Ensure full compliance with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other relevant regulations. Conduct and oversee regular safety inspections and audits across all facilities.
  • Risk assessment: Perform job hazard analyses and conduct regular risk assessments to proactively identify and mitigate potential workplace hazards.
  • Incident management: Lead all incident and accident investigations, determining root causes and implementing corrective and preventative actions.
• Buildings and Grounds
  • Direct all daily maintenance, repair, and custodial operations for all buildings, grounds, and related equipment.
  • Ensure that exterior areas, including landscaping, parking lots, and walkways, are well-maintained, safe, and visually appealing. This includes coordinating seasonal maintenance like snow removal or power washing.
• Fleet Management
  • Asset lifecycle management: Oversee the entire vehicle lifecycle, from acquisition and procurement to maintenance, repair, and eventual disposal. This includes researching vehicle types, negotiating purchase or lease agreements, and determining optimal replacement cycles.
  • Compliance and risk management: Ensure the fleet and all drivers comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including DOT, emissions, and safety standards. Implement safety programs and manage accident reporting and resolution.
  • Logistics oversight: Manage and optimize overall logistics and transportation functions, including scheduling, routing, and dispatch to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Travel: Light to medium travel to other locations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or Engineering is preferred. Alternatively, candidates with at least 5-10 years of professional experience, including 5-6 years in an Operations Management Leadership capacity, will be considered.
• Essential skills include strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project management capabilities. Ability to develop and implement long-term operational strategies aligned with business goals.
• Measured success in documented Operational Process Improvement by optimizing processes, reducing waste, and boosting productivity.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, financial planning, and performance analysis to ensure profitability and resource optimization. Capacity to analyze complex data, evaluate performance, and make informed decisions to solve operational challenges.
• Superior knowledge of multiple operational functions and principles, including customer service, distribution, service, and employee management.
• Experience leading large teams and managing various business functions like operations, inventory, and customer service is crucial.
• Familiarity with business management software and tools, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Strong working knowledge of data analysis and performance metrics, using business management software (ex: SAP, ERP, CRM). NetSuite knowledge and experience a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Initiative, stress tolerance, and a strong will to succeed.
• Ability to multitask, detail oriented, and excellent organizational skills.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills