Director OF OPERATIONS

Our client, Omnipure Filter Company, is a leading manufacturer of point-of-use water filtration solutions used in residential, commercial, and foodservice applications. Founded in 1970, the company helped revolutionize the industry by developing the first small disposable inline carbon water filter and continues to innovate in filtration technology today.

Omnipure proudly manufactures its products in the United States at its vertically integrated facility in Caldwell, Idaho.

As part of the Culligan family of brands, one of the world’s leading water treatment companies, Omnipure combines the reliability of American manufacturing with the global reach and resources of a trusted international water solutions provider.

POSITION SUMMARY

Omnipure is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Operations to lead and optimize operations across our manufacturing facility. This is a “Player Coach” role responsible for delivering high individual work while simultaneously overseeing & developing the team within Production, Planning, Quality, Maintenance, EHS and Lean.

This role requires a dynamic individual to lead and manage operations across multiple value streams in a fast paced, high mix and made to order manufacturing environment.

This is a “Hands On” leadership role that balances strategic oversight with individual execution.

Specific RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Manufacturing Leadership

  • Lead and manage daily operations across multiple value streams, ensuring alignment with business goals, objectives, and KPI’s.

  • Own performance of the manufacturing facility across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.

  • Lead production planning, capacity management, labor planning, and operational execution.

  • Drive consistent operational rhythms (daily management, GEMBA, tier meetings, KPI reviews).

Operational Excellence

  • Set and monitor performance standards for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity using data-driven insights to evaluate and adjust operational processes, improve equipment uptime, and minimize downtime.

  • Partner with Quality to drive root cause analysis, corrective actions, and systemic fixes, and ensure product and process quality meet customer, regulatory, and internal standards.

  • Ensure audit readiness and compliance with applicable quality and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO, customer audits, internal standards).

Lean & Continuous Improvement

  • Champion cost-saving initiatives by identifying areas for process optimization, material efficiency, and waste reduction.

  • Drive lean manufacturing practices and maximize productivity across the plant.

  • Ensure the implementation of standardized work, waste elimination, and continuous improvement (kaizen) methodologies.

  • Build CI capability across frontline leaders and teams; embed continuous improvement into daily work.

People Leadership & Culture

  • Build, coach, and develop plant management teams, supervisors, and operators, ensuring continuous training and skill development aligned with operational goals.

  • Set clear expectations, coach performance, and address performance issues promptly.

  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance.

  • Partner with HR on workforce planning, engagement, and succession planning.

Strategy, Planning & Financial Performance

  • Translate business strategy into operational plans and execution.

  • Own operational budgets and cost performance; drive margin improvement.

  • Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, and Commercial teams to support growth and customer needs.

  • Support capital planning, equipment investments, and layout/flow improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business or related field. MBA or advanced degree is a plus.

  • 8 - 12+ years of progressive leadership experience within a fast-paced manufacturing and assembly environment with high volume and changeover. Injection molding experience a plus.

  • Expertise in lean manufacturing principles, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), Kaizen, 5S, problem-solving, visual management.

  • Strong financial and operational acumen with a track record of achieving cost reductions and operational improvements.

  • Demonstrated experience leading through change and driving culture transformation.

  • High-energy and results-oriented leadership style, with the ability to thrive in a fast- paced, high-pressure environment.

  • A self-starter with high autonomy and hands-on approach to management.

  • Results-driven, hands-on operational leader but with a clear ability to delegate.

  • High accountability with strong people leadership skills.

  • Data-driven decision maker.

  • Polished leader with strong executive presence and effective communication skills. Strong communicator across the frontline to executive levels.

  • Comfortable operating in ambiguity and driving change.

Working conditions