Director of Operations

, IL, United States

Position Title: Director of Operations

Location: Central Illinois, US - Remote

Starting Pay: $136,000 Annual Min Base

THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN CELEBRATING STUDENT MILESTONES – HERFF JONES

Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones' products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, yearbooks, diplomas, frames, announcements, and Greek accessories as well as motivation and recognition programs.

Since 1920, our team has worked alongside students, faculty, and staff on campuses nationwide to help build a stronger community and celebrate student milestones. Our continued success relies on hiring extraordinary talent, with a passion for making a difference and eagerness to roll up the sleeves, to help us write the story of our next 100 years.

Your Opportunity

The Herff Jones Operations team is looking for a Director of Operations to join our HJ Family.

Here's How You Will Make An Impact

Reporting to the Vice President, Operations the Director of Operations you will function as the key operations leader in the Cap and Gown production facilities. The successful candidate will be accountable for all aspects of Cap and Gown Operations, Distribution, and Supply Chain performance. The position will be responsible for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Cost (SQDIC) metrics. Key responsibilities will include the development of the organization to meet key deliverables, participate in development of strategic plans, and the execution of strategic initiatives. Support and partnership with Sales & Marketing is required.

What You Will Do On A Daily Basis

Ensure customer facing KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and Customer/Sales Partner feedback are incorporated into the operation to ensure customer satisfaction.

Responsible for effective Environmental, Health, and Safety program and maintaining compliance.

Ensure appropriate systems are utilized to enable sustainable operations and financial results.

Support the development of the most effective Operation, Supply Chain, and Distribution approaches to serve our customers and achieve financial objectives.

Create and develop a culture of Respect and continuous improvement. This position will be the senior site leader and must be a role model for leadership, values, and behaviors.

Support and lead teams – People and Team development are essential aspects of this leadership role – Recruitment, Development, and Sustaining Operations by supporting individual development and team performance, supporting annual development plans.

What You Will Bring The Table

Utilize reporting functionality (Excel, Power BI) to analyze and improve the business. Advise Executive Leadership Team in any risks. Develop mitigation plans as required.

Participate in weekly operations meetings, monthly S&OP meetings, and monthly operating review meetings.

Speak and interact with sales representatives and customers (school personnel and bookstore managers).

Oversee manufacturing activities for maximum efficiency anticipating the optimal amount of apparel, caps, gowns, and accessories needed to successfully complete manufacturing/sales for the year.

Oversee warehouse activities which include the cleaning and restocking of rental items and the rental order fulfillment processes for maximum efficiency anticipating optimal amounts of caps, gowns, hoods, and accessories needed to successfully complete the needs of the graduation business each year.

Oversee the development and recommendations for improvements of plant equipment, and procedures to improve SQDIC.

Participate, Develop, and Adapt Daily Management activities to ensure successful KPI delivery through direct reports.

Responsible for Cap & Gown Quality and Safety Management systems.

Partner with the Plant Controller(s), HR Business Partner and Plant HR Manager(s) to facilitate open communication and transparency in decision making.

Partner with management team to establish production and quality control standards and systems, develop budget and cost controls, and to obtain data regarding types, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates of products ordered.

Partner with Corporate EHS manager to maintain and continuously improve the safety management system.

Lead & Assist with the development of strategic objectives, policies, and operating procedures.

Act as liaison between senior management and supervisors to keep employees informed of matters of communications, decisions, and policies.

Physical Activities

Daily activity includes but is not limited to:

Lifting, carrying, sitting, grasping, reaching, standing, kneeling, walking, bending, twisting.

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Reading and communication.

Be able to regularly lift/move up to 50lbs, with or without assistance.

Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to above moderate.

Education / Certifications Required

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business-related field or equivalent experience

MBA Preferred

Six Sigma Black Belt Preferred

About Herff Jones

Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones’ products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, diplomas, and announcements as well as motivation and recognition programs. Focused on building long-term relationships through a nationwide network of over 1,400 employees and sales partners, the professionals at Herff Jones have been helping elevate the student experience throughout the lifelong journey of education for more than 100 years. For more information about Herff Jones, please visit www.herffjones.com.

Herff Jones, Inc. and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers and maintain affirmative action plans to recruit, retain, develop, and promote qualified individuals without unlawful consideration of race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Herff Jones strives to maintain a work environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, where associates are treated with respect and dignity.

Any employment agency, person or entity that submits a résumé into this career site or to a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Herff Jones. Herff Jones will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person, or entity.

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