About this opportunity
Pelican Products, Inc. lists this Director, Operations opportunity in deerfield, Massachusetts. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Who We Are
At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world’s toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been a trusted partner for military personnel, first responders, outdoor adventurers, and innovators who push the limits.
We're Hiring: Director, Operations
Location: South Deerfield, MA
Company: Pelican
Who We Are
At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world’s toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been a trusted partner for military personnel, first responders, outdoor adventurers, and innovators who push the limits. With a global presence that includes 11 offices, 4 manufacturing facilities, and 4 custom case centers, we create high-performance protective solutions that ensure our customers can focus on what matters most. Whether it’s transporting critical medical supplies, securing mission-essential equipment, or keeping expedition gear safe, Pelican products are Built to Protect to Equip for the Mission. At Pelican, your work has a real-world impact. You’ll be part of a team driven by innovation, craftsmanship, and the shared belief that when the mission is critical, failure isn’t an option. If you’re ready to build something that makes a difference, be part of a team that protects what matters most.
What You'll Do
Lead the operation. Transform the culture. Raise the bar for manufacturing excellence.
Pelican is seeking a dynamic Senior Director of Operations to lead manufacturing operations at our South Deerfield facility. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for driving performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, and People (SQDCIP) while building an engaged, accountable, and high-performing organization. We're looking for a manufacturing leader who knows how to transform operations—not simply maintain them. You'll lead a complex plastics manufacturing environment, leverage Lean and data to improve performance, develop the next generation of leaders, and help create a state-of-the-art operation positioned for long-term growth.
Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations and drive performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, and People
Build a culture of Operational Excellence, accountability, employee engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the facility
Champion Lean Daily Management through Gemba, tier meetings, Hour-by-Hour boards, Layered Process Audits, visual management, and cascading KPIs
Drive a world-class 6S and safety culture, proactively identifying risks and implementing improvements in equipment, tooling, ergonomics, processes, and employee behaviors
Lead production teams to consistently achieve customer, quality, cost, productivity, and delivery commitments
Use data and analytics to identify performance gaps, solve problems at the root cause, and turn insights into measurable action
Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and New Product Development to successfully introduce new products and support profitable growth
Drive innovative manufacturing solutions including poka-yoke, visual controls, digital work instructions, process controls, and other technologies that improve quality and execution
Lead continuous improvement initiatives that increase throughput, reduce waste and cost, improve inventory performance, and strengthen manufacturing capability
Optimize manufacturing inventory systems and ensure effective material flow, inventory accuracy, and appropriate stocking levels
Own Operations budgets, proactively manage variances, and execute capital plans that support performance and long-term growth
Develop and execute strategies that improve the facility, employee experience, and Pelican's ability to attract and retain top manufacturing talent
Build a strong leadership pipeline by identifying, coaching, developing, and rewarding high performers while proactively addressing performance gaps
Create a culture that continually raises the bar for leadership, execution, and operational performance
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned
What We’re Looking For
Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience
15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
Significant experience within plastic injection molding; rotational molding and machining experience are highly desirable
Proven success leading and transforming complex manufacturing operations
Strong command of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping, structured root cause analysis, and continuous improvement
Demonstrated experience establishing Lean Daily Management systems, including tier meetings, visual management, Layered Process Audits, and SQDCIP metrics
Proven ability to improve safety, quality, productivity, delivery, inventory, and cost performance
Strong operational and financial acumen, including budgeting, capital planning, inventory management, and manufacturing cost management
Experience with SAP, MRP, MES, BOMs, routings, and manufacturing standards
Knowledge of demand forecasting, supply planning, capacity, and inventory management within a complex manufacturing environment
Strong change leadership skills with the ability to create urgency, challenge the status quo, and sustain improvements
Track record of building high-performing teams and developing strong manufacturing leaders
Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence across Operations and corporate functions
What’s In It For You
Competitive paid time off plans / Holiday pay /extra vacation purchase opportunities
401k plan – with immediate match
Great Benefits – several options including Pet insurance for our animal lovers.
Health Savings Account Contribution
Wellness Discount Program
Global Mental Wellness Program
Quarterly Employee Celebration Days
Peer to Peer Recognition Program
Service Recognition Program
Amazing employee discount program on Pelican Products, Pelican branded apparel and gear
Employee referral program – get paid to work with your trusted network.
Beautiful New England location
Onsite Gym
Established reputable brand offering premium products – you’ll be proud to represent Pelican!
And more…
Compensation & Benefits
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets. Base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The annual U.S. pay range for this position is listed below. Pay within this range varies by work locationand may also depend on your qualifications, job-related knowledge, skills,and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process. We also offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off, 10 paid holidays per year, medical/dental/vision insurance, company-paid life and disability plans, and matching 401k to eligible employees.
Pelican Products, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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Worksite address
deerfield, MA, 01342, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.