Director of Operations

About Us

HSM Company History | HSM HEART Company Values | Who is HSM to our customers?

Founded in 1944, HSM is a third generation, privately held company with a rich history of innovation and a commitment to our people. With 25 locations across the U.S. and corporate headquarters in Hickory, NC and Huntersville, NC, we specialize in manufacturing components for furniture, bedding, transportation, packaging, automotive, and healthcare industries. Our expertise also includes designing and building automated production machinery. HSM products from sofa springs to swimming pool noodles and bus seats, touch everyday life in countless ways.

At HSM, our success is built on our people. We foster a culture of teamwork, innovation, and shared success. If you’re looking for a meaningful place to grow and make an impact, we want to hear from you!

What You’ll Do

As the Director of Operations, you’ll serve as a strategic and hands-on leader, ensuring consistent performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development.

• Lead Multi-Site Manufacturing Performance
  • Support and coach Plant Managers to consistently meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives
  • Implement standardized, scalable processes across facilities
  • Monitor KPIs and performance dashboards; lead action plans to close gaps
  • Support footprint optimization initiatives including expansions, relocations, and consolidations
• Drive Continuous Improvement & Manufacturing Excellence
  • Champion Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Six Sigma initiatives
  • Lead structured problem-solving to eliminate waste and inefficiencies
  • Partner on equipment upgrades, process improvements, and layout optimization
• Develop High-Performing Leadership Teams
  • Coach and develop plant leadership to foster ownership, accountability, and engagement
  • Identify talent gaps and lead succession planning in partnership with HR
  • Reinforce recognition and accountability systems tied to performance and safety
• Partner Cross-Functionally
  • Collaborate with Engineering on NPI readiness and process alignment
  • Work closely with Quality and Sales to align operational capability with customer expectations
  • Contribute to capital planning and ROI evaluation for operational investments
• Champion Safety & Compliance
  • Enforce company-wide safety programs and EHS compliance
  • Partner with site leaders on risk mitigation, emergency preparedness, and incident prevention

What You Bring

• Experience
  • 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing and/or engineering
  • Demonstrated success leading multi-site operations
  • Strong track record driving metrics-based performance and continuous improvement
  • Experience leading teams through growth, change, and transformation
• Skills
  • Exceptional operational planning, execution, and analytical capabilities
  • Ability to build trust and influence across all levels—from plant floor to executive leadership
  • Clear, direct communicator who motivates teams and drives accountability
• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field (required)
  • Advanced degree and/or Lean/Six Sigma certifications (preferred)
• Travel
  • Up to 50% travel to support plant performance, audits, and leadership development

Why Join Us

• Health & Wellness: Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including an innovative global healthcare option for qualified participants.
• Retire: 401(k) with company match, fully vested from day one.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive PTO: 3 Weeks of Vacation + 9 company paid holidays.
• On-Site Medical Clinics: Free for you and covered dependents.
• Teladoc: 24/7 access with no copay.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement, professional development assistance and career growth opportunities.
• Discounts: Enjoy discounts with HSM partners, including Dollywood Parks & Resort, Verizon Wireless, and more.

EEOC

At HSM, we believe that our diversity creates a productive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectionate or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.