Director of Operations

Since 1968 Horton Emergency Vehicles has built the industry’s most innovative ambulances for first responders risking their lives to save others. Horton designs, manufactures, and delivers the highest-quality, most tailor-made ambulances the market has to offer. Horton Emergency Vehicles is part of the larger REV Group (NYSE: REVG), a leading manufacturer of specialty vehicles for the fire & emergency and recreation markets. REV Group’s extensive vehicle line-up includes models such as ambulances, fire trucks, terminal trucks, RV’s and much more. Our 6,500 employees continuously demonstrate their commitment to building innovative and reliable vehicles that our customers can depend on whether for a family trip across the U.S. or when responding to an emergency. Rev Group is a veteran friendly employer and hires over 200 veterans and or those transferring out of the military each year. The Director of Operations is responsible for leading production departments and manufacturing processes for all operations at Horton Emergency Vehicles facility in Grove City, OH. The Director is accountable for setting strategic direction in operations to deliver the highest quality product while maximizing company profit in line with Horton’s mission and vision. This role requires expert knowledge and application of lean manufacturing principles to drive continuous improvement in meeting company goals and objectives. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Directly leads and supervises a manufacturing team of Production Managers/Production Supervisors and hourly employees in all manufacturing processes in the business unit. Participates in company goal setting, deployment and strategic planning activities, typically detailing 1st level improvement initiatives and targets to improve. Sets strategic direction for the plant/facility in accordance with business goals and objectives. Leads project activities and directs, coaches, and employees on project execution to deliver results. Plans and monitors the day-to-day running of business operations. Prioritizes and manages the workflow within all departments to ensure timely and efficient task completion in accordance with the production schedule. Responsible for all manufacturing overhead and direct labor costs in the P&L related to production, maintenance, and others. Determines area budget goals for personnel, equipment, supplies and other cost elements to assure ongoing company profitability. Accountable for the implementation and sustainment of lean initiatives within areas of responsibility. Must be a change agent and ambassador for continuous improvement. Acts as the Safety Champion ensuring all Health and Safety programs and standards are met in the facility. Promotes a safety culture plus supports safety and environmental compliance and improvement activities. Communicates and interfaces with other senior leaders driving effective liaisons with other departments such as Materials, Engineering, Sales Administration, Product Management. Provides technical expertise for problem resolution and drives root cause and corrective actions. Builds and mentors direct and indirect reports and identifies staff development/training needs. Regularly evaluates the efficiency of business procedures according to organizational objectives and applies improvements. Other duties as assigned. Requirements: Proven track record of developing and leading high performing teams with a focus on change management. Strong understanding and experience in the application of lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, with demonstrated team building and conflict resolution ability. Ability to think, act, and excel in high pressure, chaotic, or ambiguous situations. Thorough understanding of practices, theories, and policies involved in business and finance. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, ERP/MRP (Mapics ideal), and other related software. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and drive for results. Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in related field, Master’s degree preferred 5 years of related experience in a custom manufacturing environment, specialty vehicle experience preferred 7 years in Supervisory or Leadership capacity Lean or Six Sigma Certification preferred