Operations Director

Job Requirements

Why work for us?

Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.

With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry’s most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.

Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we’re always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!

Key Responsibilities

New Hampshire Plant (Direct Responsibility):

Care For Our People And Our Environment

• Champion EH&S initiatives to ensure a safe and compliant working environment.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and company standards.
• Work with all authorities to deliver on our sustainability initiatives

Drive Profitable Growth

• Analyze the plant and make decisions through a financial lens.
• Manage plant budget, capital projects, and resource allocation.
• Understand, products, processes and customers and develop and execute strategic plans to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase throughput.
• Implement and sustain Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma practices.

Create Alignment and Accountability

• Set the vision and BU strategy for the site teams in conjunction with the General Manager and Snr Operations Director
• Lead daily operations including production, maintenance, quality, supply chain, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Drive customer-focused improvements in delivery performance, product quality, and responsiveness.
• Effectively manage complexity and multiple issues.

Build Strategic Partnerships

• Model Alkegen’s Core Values consistently. Demonstrate a strong sense of urgency and take informed risks to achieve business objectives.
• Lead by example with a strong presence and accountability. Exhibit cultural sensitivity and work across cultures. Strong communication skills are required. 
• Champion new ideas and motivate key stakeholders to pursue innovation. Share a sense of purpose and passion for new opportunities.
• Exhibit an entrepreneurial mindset. 

Enhance Organizational Talent:

• Build and develop high-performing teams through coaching and leadership.
• Engage all levels of your organization. and motivate the teams.
• Hire and develop great talent, drive a performance mindset, and manage underperforming team members.
• Develop leadership across disciplines and cultures. 

• France Plant (Indirect Responsibility):

• Ensure EH&S compliance and customer satisfaction goals are met through collaboration with local leadership.
• Align operational goals with corporate strategy and customer expectations.
• Align with site leadership on weekly financial forecasts and performance metrics to ensure goals are met.
• Delivery of site plans for improvement and growth to meet BU and customer needs.
• Engage and grow the local team ensuring we develop talent for now and the future.
• Develop cross-functional initiatives and shared services between both plants.
• Act as a liaison between corporate leadership and the France site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, or related field (master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, preferably in filtration or related industries.
• Proven leadership experience managing plant operations successfully.
• Demonstratable capabilities in budget and P&L management, Working Capital, EBITDA, and capex management. Show an ability to drive results to achieve short-term and long-term financial targets. 
• Excellent analytical skills and an ability to be inquisitive.
• Track record of safety dedication with a strong knowledge of EH&S regulations and best practices.
• Demonstrated success in improving customer satisfaction through operational excellence.
• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel (internationally) as needed.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with ISO standards and regulatory compliance.
• ERP systems proficiency (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Change management and organizational development expertise.
• Multilingual capabilities (French proficiency is a plus).

At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people – ALL PEOPLE – breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world.

Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class.