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Sika

Director of Operations

Sika, Gastonia, North Carolina, United States, 28054

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Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. About Sika

With more than 100 years of experience, Sika is a worldwide innovation and sustainability leader in the development and production of systems and products for commercial and residential construction, as well as the transportation, marine, automotive, and renewable energy manufacturing industries. Company Description

Sika has subsidiaries in 102 countries and operates in over 400 factories, producing innovative technologies for customers worldwide. With more than 34,000 employees, the company generated sales of CHF 11.76 billion in 2024. Sika plays a crucial role in transforming the construction and transportation sectors toward greater environmental compatibility. Job Description

This position is a strategic and hands-on leadership opportunity responsible for the efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible operation and growth of the Gastonia plant. The incumbent will develop and implement programs to achieve higher safety, productivity, and quality standards. The role oversees Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS), Quality (IATF certified facility), Materials, Manufacturing Operations, Engineering, Maintenance and Administration at the Gastonia Facility. The Operations Director represents the Corporation to direct and achieve our Vision in the Facility by building confidence and trust with Human Resources, Finance, and Procurement. Responsibilities

Attain annual safety goals through a solid understanding of safety management and by enforcing safety rules and procedures throughout the facility. Champion the Sika Safety First culture. Align with product quality demands to achieve annual quality and delivery goals; apply problem-solving, error-proofing, and mentoring as needed. Ensure execution of the Sika Quality Management System supporting continued IATF, ISO 9001 and TISAX certification. Communicate effectively across the organization, educating on continuous improvement and root cause analysis as key elements of operations. Demonstrate ability to build high-performing teams in EH&S, quality, manufacturing, materials management and planning, logistics, and maintenance. Develop a flexible organization capable of quickly responding to changing customer demands. Select, train, and develop staff to perform at their best. Train and develop factory associates to ensure uninterrupted operation to meet customer order demand. Motivate personnel to meet annual goals through solid management and coaching. Maintain a strong commitment to quality and excellence across manufacturing, engineering, and new product development. Identify and streamline non-value-added activities and define efficient processes. Attain annual expense budget goals and execute annual capital budget to achieve benefits. Generate and implement annual Plant Cost Reduction/Improvement Plans and manage capital assets with recommendations for new projects. Develop annual, 3-year, and 5-year business plans; manage P&L and Balance Sheet activity for Plant Operations. Drive preventative maintenance and proactive problem solving. Collaborate with R&D and Marketing in developing innovative products aligned with company interests. Participate in Local Expert Teams (LET) and Operational Competency Teams (OCT) as required. Support Program Management by reviewing plans/specs and aligning timetables with customer needs. Coordinate strategies with sales, engineering, R&D, customer service, and Corporate Operations teams. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Complete other assignments as directed by Senior Management. Qualifications

Excellent communication skills characterized by sincerity, persuasiveness, and clarity of thought. Experienced manufacturing leader able to implement strategies to increase safety, quality, productivity, and customer service. Strong interpersonal skills with leadership, sensitivity, and teamwork focus. Experience with line production, changeover manufacturing, production planning, preventative maintenance and time-critical maintenance. Knowledge of continuous improvement concepts including statistical process control and lean manufacturing is desired. Solid understanding of mechanical engineering; conceptual knowledge of chemical and/or process engineering is desired. Bachelor’s degree preferred; engineering degree and/or Master’s desirable. Minimum of 10 years Manufacturing Management experience. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced 24hr/5-day environment. Experience managing daily production plans and allocating necessary resources. Strong, fair leadership with consistent application of rules, policies, and procedures. Technically oriented, highly organized, and able to be present on the shop floor. Additional Information

Perks & Benefits

401k with Generous Company Match Bonuses Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits Paid Parental Leave Life Insurance Disability Insurance Paid time off, paid holidays Floating holidays + Paid Volunteer Time Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements Education Assistance Professional Development Opportunities Employee Referral Program & More! Sika fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, empowering each individual to make decisions, learn from experiences, and shape their own career path. The safety and well-being of employees are top priorities, with a strong commitment to open communication and maintaining a safe workplace. Sika also actively contributes to the community and promotes sustainability by minimizing environmental impact and embracing social responsibility. Job Details

Seniority level: Entry level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Manufacturing Industries: Chemical Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Sika. Sign in to set job alerts for “Director of Operations” roles.

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