Job summary

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Director of Operations is a key management position, responsible for the overall growth, development and profitability of the Wallingford, CT location.  The position will effectively lead and manage both internal and external cross functional teams, as well as all of the processes within these functions to deliver and maximize business performance. The position will ensure effective planning within the organization to achieve all strategic goals.  In this role the individual will work closely with Customers as well as Suppliers to secure strong business relationships and growth opportunities.  

The position has responsibility for the day-to-day management of, but not limited to the following; Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Information Technology, Maintenance, Facilities, Customer Service, Quality and Logistics. The position will have shared responsibility with Finance, Research Development and Engineering. The position is responsible for continued team development and accountability in effort to ensure ORAFOL is utilizing all resources on site in a cost effective manner while constantly improving processes and efficiencies.

This position will be a key member of the ORAFOL Americas leadership team representing the Wallingford, CT facility.

Essential functions

• Overall responsibility for Health & Safety onsite.


• Continue to enhance customer relationships through direct interface and meeting and exceeding stated and agreed upon requirements.


• Lead Lean initiatives including but not limited to Kaizen and 5S.


• Lead Operations Team to ensure overall site(s) management – including Logistics, Maintenance, Facilities, Quality, Health and Safety and people management.


• Working closely with Finance Department to understand and develop the budgetary needs.


• Actively drive the cost efficiency goals of the business maximizing resources, keeping costs low and within budgeted expenditure, controlling costs tightly.


• Liaise with Finance to investigate queries and ensure accuracy of financial information.


• Work with Finance to develop a good understanding of the product costing methodology to identify cost efficiency and capacity improvements in yields & throughput capabilities of current materials and equipment.


• Ensuring proactive communication from ORAFOL Americas Inc. to all member companies and external customers to develop relationships.


• Develop systems that monitor overall progress to daily plan across the department and take corrective actions to optimize the efficient running of the department in order to meet customer requirements.


• Attend and drive regular operations meeting at ORAFOL Americas Inc. to ensure efficient internal processes are in place to meet all customer requirements.


• Constantly learning about ORAFOL products and services and keeping up to date with any changes.


• Perform other duties as assigned or as the situation dictates

additional responsibilities

Customer Service:

• Ensure customer service delivery is a priority within all operational responsibilities.


• Develop relationship with our customers and promoting the customer needs.


• Handle customer service complaints collaboratively with the C/S Team.


• Proactive communication and responsiveness to customers on all areas impacting delivery and service – sometimes through CS sometimes directly.

Manufacturing (Casting, Coating and Conversion):

• Effective management of the Manufacturing Managers and Supervisors to ensure efficient production planning, scheduling and development of the production team.


• Ensure standard operating procedures are constantly improved maintained and adhered to.


• Set and meet KPI’s for Manufacturing with the relevant Managers.


• Understand the capacity and resources available within the production function – ensuring processes are being maximized to achieve results.


• Responsible for reviewing and understanding all missed shipments, quality complaints, excessive scrap or waste, determine root causes and implement fix with Production Manager.


• Overall responsibility for Health and Safety at ORAFOL Americas Inc., working closely with Health and Safety Team to ensure ORAFOL is meeting all legal requirements and promoting a safe work environment.

Supply Chain:

• Develop relationships with our key internal and external suppliers.


• Understand monthly stock count ensuring it is being carried out accurately and efficiently.


• Work with Supply Chain Team to maximize cash flow goals of the RS organization, ensure ORAFOL is meeting inventory targets levels whilst ensuring sufficient core inventory on hand to meet customer needs and support Sales.


• Support the Supply Chain Team in warehouse management, shipping responsibilities and general administration responsibilities within the business.


• Drive cost efficiencies on all purchases working closely with the Supply Chain Team setting goals and stretch targets.


• Development of freight and customs and excise knowledge within ORAFOL Americas to be able to support the Supply Chain function and ensure compliance of company to legal standards and statutory obligations.

People Management:

• Provide direction to Engineering team focused on operational quality and manufacturing priorities.


• Set productivity & quality objectives for each member of the team and follows up regularly to ensure objectives are met.


• Identify and develop key employees using performance management tools and the Talent Management program.


• Develop a culture of ownership & responsibility amongst the team.


• Facilitate programs for cross training of employees where possible in order to achieve a flexible work force.


• Maintain a high level of motivation amongst direct reports and their teams.


• Conduct performance reviews with entire team and set goals for continuous improvement, ensuring the team is doing the same with their direct reports.


• Identify and recruit employees as required.


• Identify and resolve employee issues.


• Follow prescribed safety guidelines in accordance to ORAFOL Americas Safety program; use required PPE.


• Maintains an optimal level of product quality and adheres to ORAFOL’s Quality Program.