Director of Operations – Equipment Division

Description

Position Overview:

Kleen-Rite Corp., THE reliable supplier to the car wash industry, is seeking a hands-on, results-driven Director of Operations to lead, optimize, and align operations across our Equipment Division, which includes assembly production locations in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Arkansas.

This role is responsible for improving day-to-day operational performance through site leadership, supporting financial outcomes, and ensuring alignment across purchasing, production, and workflow management. The Director of Operations will work closely with site leaders and executive leadership to improve efficiency, implement systems, and help define future operational needs.

This is an ideal opportunity for a strong operator who thrives in a small-to-mid-sized environment, enjoys building structure, and is comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

How You’ll Make a Difference:

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Oversee operational performance across multiple locations through local site leaders to ensure production goals, timelines, and quality standards are met 
• Conduct regular check-ins with site leaders to monitor performance, remove obstacles, and maintain alignment 
• Manage workflow across locations, ensuring resources are prioritized effectively 
• Build strong working relationships with site teams and establish consistent expectations across locations 

Procurement & Inventory Oversight

• Monitor inventory levels and material availability across all locations 
• Partner with purchasing to ensure timely ordering and cost-effective sourcing 
• Identify and address risks related to supply, stock levels, and lead times 

Financial & Performance Management

• Monitor operational and financial performance, including costs, efficiency, and key performance indicators 
• Identify opportunities to expand internal capability through make-vs-buy analysis of products and components
• Support budgeting efforts and identify opportunities to improve profitability and reduce waste 
• Partner with leadership to evaluate operational decisions and their financial impact 

Systems & Process Improvement

• Lead or support ERP implementation planning and adoption across locations
• Drive development and standardization of SOPs and BOMs to improve consistency and scalability 
• Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvement initiatives

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to site leaders and team members 
• Foster accountability, communication, and continuous improvement across teams
• Establish performance expectations, develop team capabilities, and ensure accountability across all production sites

Requirements

Experience & Capabilities:

• 7–12+ years of progressive operations experience with demonstrated leadership responsibility
• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred, or equivalent relevant experience
• Experience in hands-on manufacturing, fabrication, or operational environments preferred
• Experience overseeing multiple teams or locations highly desired 
• Strong understanding of operational workflows, inventory, and purchasing processes 
• Ability to quickly assess operations, prioritize opportunities, and execute with minimal oversight 
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, evolving environment with changing priorities and imperfect systems
• Demonstrated ability to improve processes and drive efficiency 
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and data-driven decision making 
• Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and supporting profitability 
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to work primarily from company headquarters with travel as needed to support multi-site operations

Why Join the Kleen-Rite Team?

• Employer-funded retirement contributions averaging 8%+ annually – no employee contribution required
• Opportunity to play a key role in shaping and scaling a small but growing division
• Direct impact on operations, systems, and team development
• Family-owned and operated since 1959
• Comprehensive benefits – medical, dental, vision & more
• Employer-paid life insurance for added peace of mind
• Collaborative, hands-on environment with leadership visibility