Addison Group
Director of Operations
Location: Knoxville, TN (US HQ) Schedule: Hybrid with 3-4 days onsite per week in Knoxville, TN depending on regional travel to internal manufacturing plants. Travel: Up to 25% annually Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Alignment
Serve as the senior operational leader bridging corporate project management and plant execution. Own operational accountability for project delivery, production capacity, and schedule adherence. Ensure realistic commitments are made to customers based on actual production capacity and constraints. Manufacturing & Plant Oversight
Provide strategic oversight of the regional hallmark manufacturing facility (150+ employees, three shifts, 24/7 operations). Lead through the Plant Manager to ensure safety, quality, throughput, and workforce effectiveness. Bring deep technical understanding of sign manufacturing, metal fabrication, welding, and CNC processes. Planning, Scheduling & Supply Chain
Own demand planning, production scheduling, and workflow optimization across projects and production. Partner closely with Supply Chain to improve material availability, lead times, and inventory flow. Identify and resolve bottlenecks that cause missed delivery commitments or production delays. Process Improvement & Systems
Lead continuous improvement initiatives using metrics, data, and operational KPIs. Improve forecasting accuracy, capacity planning, and ERP utilization. Drive standardization of processes across project intake, scheduling, production, and delivery. Cross-Functional Leadership
Partner closely with Project Management leadership, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain. Influence without direct authority across customer-facing teams to improve internal communication and execution. Lead change management initiatives in a complex, multi-site environment. What Success Looks Like (12–18 Months)
Measurable improvement in on-time delivery and schedule adherence. Clear ownership and accountability for forecasting and production scheduling. Process optimization and continuous improvement of internal systems from sales, design, and project management departments through manufacturing/production. Improved production throughput and capacity utilization. Cost avoidance and reduction initiatives. A stabilized, scalable operational structure that supports future growth. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience in sign manufacturing or metal fabrication will be strongly considered. Senior operations leadership experience within sign manufacturing (required) or closely related engineered-to-order metal fabrication environments. Demonstrated success connecting highly customized, client-specific orders to large-scale manufacturing operations, translating unique customer requirements into executable production plans. Proven experience operating end to end within a project-driven manufacturing business model, balancing customer commitments, production capacity, and delivery timelines. Track record overseeing multi-site or complex manufacturing operations with strong alignment between customer-facing teams and plant execution. Strong expertise in supply chain management, production planning, workflow optimization, and quality systems. Hands-on experience leveraging ERP systems to support scheduling, forecasting, and operational reporting. Demonstrated ability to lead change, drive continuous improvement, and enforce accountability through data and performance metrics. Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary:
$140,000 – $175,000 Bonus:
15% performance-based, tied to production capacity, schedule adherence, and delivery performance Benefits Include
The role offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, short-term and long-term disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, and ongoing education, training, and professional development opportunities. Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Primarily based within an active manufacturing facility, with routine presence in fabrication and welding areas. Requires frequent movement throughout the production floor, including extended periods of standing and walking. Periodic handling or movement of materials weighing up to approximately 25 pounds. Mandatory compliance with all safety protocols, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment in designated production zones.
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Location: Knoxville, TN (US HQ) Schedule: Hybrid with 3-4 days onsite per week in Knoxville, TN depending on regional travel to internal manufacturing plants. Travel: Up to 25% annually Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Alignment
Serve as the senior operational leader bridging corporate project management and plant execution. Own operational accountability for project delivery, production capacity, and schedule adherence. Ensure realistic commitments are made to customers based on actual production capacity and constraints. Manufacturing & Plant Oversight
Provide strategic oversight of the regional hallmark manufacturing facility (150+ employees, three shifts, 24/7 operations). Lead through the Plant Manager to ensure safety, quality, throughput, and workforce effectiveness. Bring deep technical understanding of sign manufacturing, metal fabrication, welding, and CNC processes. Planning, Scheduling & Supply Chain
Own demand planning, production scheduling, and workflow optimization across projects and production. Partner closely with Supply Chain to improve material availability, lead times, and inventory flow. Identify and resolve bottlenecks that cause missed delivery commitments or production delays. Process Improvement & Systems
Lead continuous improvement initiatives using metrics, data, and operational KPIs. Improve forecasting accuracy, capacity planning, and ERP utilization. Drive standardization of processes across project intake, scheduling, production, and delivery. Cross-Functional Leadership
Partner closely with Project Management leadership, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain. Influence without direct authority across customer-facing teams to improve internal communication and execution. Lead change management initiatives in a complex, multi-site environment. What Success Looks Like (12–18 Months)
Measurable improvement in on-time delivery and schedule adherence. Clear ownership and accountability for forecasting and production scheduling. Process optimization and continuous improvement of internal systems from sales, design, and project management departments through manufacturing/production. Improved production throughput and capacity utilization. Cost avoidance and reduction initiatives. A stabilized, scalable operational structure that supports future growth. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience in sign manufacturing or metal fabrication will be strongly considered. Senior operations leadership experience within sign manufacturing (required) or closely related engineered-to-order metal fabrication environments. Demonstrated success connecting highly customized, client-specific orders to large-scale manufacturing operations, translating unique customer requirements into executable production plans. Proven experience operating end to end within a project-driven manufacturing business model, balancing customer commitments, production capacity, and delivery timelines. Track record overseeing multi-site or complex manufacturing operations with strong alignment between customer-facing teams and plant execution. Strong expertise in supply chain management, production planning, workflow optimization, and quality systems. Hands-on experience leveraging ERP systems to support scheduling, forecasting, and operational reporting. Demonstrated ability to lead change, drive continuous improvement, and enforce accountability through data and performance metrics. Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary:
$140,000 – $175,000 Bonus:
15% performance-based, tied to production capacity, schedule adherence, and delivery performance Benefits Include
The role offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, short-term and long-term disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, and ongoing education, training, and professional development opportunities. Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Primarily based within an active manufacturing facility, with routine presence in fabrication and welding areas. Requires frequent movement throughout the production floor, including extended periods of standing and walking. Periodic handling or movement of materials weighing up to approximately 25 pounds. Mandatory compliance with all safety protocols, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment in designated production zones.
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