Director of Operations

Join HESCO, a thriving family-owned business in Rocky Hill, CT, where approximately 60 employees collaborate to deliver innovative smart manufacturing solutions. At HESCO, we cherish the expertise and experience of our team members above all else. Our core values – Passion, Respect, Initiative, Dependability, and Ethics – are at the heart of everything we do. We're searching for individuals who embody these values and are eager to make a difference. Join a culture that values forward-thinking strategies, transparent communication, regular feedback, and a commitment to recognizing and rewarding hard work. Enjoy the flexibility to manage your workload while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. At HESCO, we believe in nurturing both your professional and personal growth. Come join us and be part of a team that's shaping the future of manufacturing.

The Director of Operations is a vital leader overseeing various aspects of our operations, including driving operational efficiency, ensuring exceptional customer service, and managing vendor and supplier relationships. This role is crucial in supporting the company's strategic initiatives and business goals. As an integral part of the leadership team, the Director of Operations will spearhead strategic efforts focused on budgeting, production efficiency, and overall company profitability. The ideal candidate will significantly contribute to the company's strategic direction, utilizing their expertise to foster sustainable growth and enhance profitability.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the operations team to achieve departmental and company goals.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to team members.

Customer Service:

· Oversee the customer service department, with the Customer Service Manager handling day-to-day duties.

· Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through effective policies and procedures.

· Work with CSM and IT for process improvements specifically related to ERP

· Address escalated customer inquiries and complaints as needed.

Pricing:

• Develop and manage pricing strategies to ensure competitiveness and profitability.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to align pricing with market trends and business goals.
• Monitor and adjust pricing based on market conditions and cost factors.
• Assist Account Manager with Special Pricing Agreements

Procurement & Vendor Management:

• Oversee the procurement process to ensure timely and cost-effective purchasing of products and supplies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers to ensure quality and reliability.
• Implement procurement policies and procedures to streamline operations and reduce costs.
• Manage multiple relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of products.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors to secure favorable terms as well as growth rebate incentives.
• Align vendor and supplier management with the company’s commercial initiatives and primary partners/vendors.
• Implement metrics for tracking the performance of all partners/vendors and ensure continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with IT to load new products into ERP system
• Ensure use and optimization of EDI functionality

Warehouse / Inventory Management:

• Oversee daily warehouse operations, including receiving, storage, and distribution of products.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and implement processes to reduce discrepancies.
• Maintain a safe and organized warehouse environment.
• Manage inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability and minimize excess inventory.
• Utilize the company’s ERP system, Infor SX.e, to monitor inventory and implement effective inventory control practices.
• Analyze inventory data and trends to make informed decisions about stocking and reordering.

Facilities Management:

• Oversee minimal facilities management tasks, ensuring the workplace is safe and operational.
• Coordinate with external service providers for maintenance and repairs as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management, preferably within the industrial automation sector.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse operations, customer service, pricing strategies, procurement processes, and inventory management.
• Must have experience with ERP systems, Infor SX.e, is a plus.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage vendor and supplier relationships effectively.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

HESCO is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. HESCO's policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. To achieve our goal of equal opportunity, HESCO maintains an affirmative action plan through which it makes good faith efforts to recruit, hire, and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.