Director of Operations in Kent, Ohio at R W Martin Company

The Director of Operations (DOR) is a key executive leader responsible for driving operational excellence, scalable growth, profitability, and organizational accountability across the company. This role oversees the day-to-day operations of a diversified industrial machinery business specializing in equipment sales, used equipment refurbishment, installation projects, parts distribution, and field service support.
The DOR partners closely with the President/CEO to translate strategic vision into operational execution while building systems, processes, and leadership capabilities that support sustainable growth. The ideal candidate combines strong operational leadership, financial acumen, team development skills, and hands-on experience managing complex industrial service or equipment-based businesses.
This position requires a proactive leader who can operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.

Essential functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Operational Leadership
• Lead and oversee all daily business operations including:
o Equipment sales operations support
o Refurbishment and production activities
o Installation and project execution
o Service operations
o Parts and inventory management
o Logistics and warehouse functions
• Develop and implement operational strategies that improve efficiency, quality, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
• Establish operational KPIs, dashboards, and accountability systems to measure company performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all departments.
• Ensure operational scalability to support future growth initiatives.

Financial & Business Performance
• Partner with ownership to develop annual operating plans, budgets, and growth objectives.
• Manage operational profitability, labor efficiency, project margins, inventory performance, and cost controls.
• Monitor and improve:
o Gross margins
o Labor utilization
o Project completion performance
o Inventory turns
o Service profitability
o Cash flow efficiency
• Support pricing strategies and operational decision-making through data analysis and forecasting.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Lead, mentor, and develop department managers and emerging leaders.
• Establish performance expectations, coaching processes, and operational standards.
• Assist in recruiting, onboarding, and retaining high-performing talent.
• Improve cross-functional communication and alignment throughout the organization.

Project & Service Execution
• Ensure installation projects and refurbishment projects are completed on time, within budget, and to company quality standards.
• Improve scheduling, workflow coordination, and resource utilization across departments.
• Oversee customer issue resolution and service recovery efforts when necessary.
• Support implementation of best practices in field service operations and project management.

Process Improvement & Systems
• Evaluate and improve operational systems, workflows, and technology platforms.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and operational documentation.
• Improve inventory controls, purchasing processes, and production planning.
• Support ERP, CRM, and operational software optimization initiatives.
• Lead operational change management efforts.

Strategic Leadership
• Serve as a strategic partner to the President/CEO.
• Participate in long-term planning, acquisitions, expansion opportunities, and operational investments.
• Help identify market opportunities, operational risks, and organizational challenges.
• Provide leadership in scaling the business while maintaining culture and customer service excellence.

Competencies
• Strategic Thinking
• Operational Excellence
• Financial Acumen
• Leadership & Team Development
• Accountability & Execution
• Process Improvement
• Change Management
• Customer-Focused Leadership
• Project Management
• Communication & Collaboration
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
Supervisory responsibilities
The DOR will be responsible for effectively leading departmental leadership to achieve strategic goals while adhering to the core values of the organization.
Work environment
This position primarily is completed in an office environment with some exposure to industrial environments. The use of PPE is required when working/visiting industrial environments.

Physical demands
May be required to sit for extended periods of time while demonstrating manual dexterity to accurately work on the telephone, computer keyboard, and other
equipment. Must be able to lift and carry 30 pounds in the form of boxes of supplies or product components.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle is required.

Travel required
Must be able and willing to travel away from home overnight when necessary and is anticipated to be less than 20%.
Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and maintain to the Company’s sole satisfaction an insurable motor vehicle operating status.

Required education and experience
Requires knowledge ordinarily acquired from a college degree or technical degree or related field plus several years of work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and work experience is desired. Work requires in-depth understanding of the principles and their theories of the following areas: industrial engineering/industrial environments, industrial equipment and facility operations.
EEO statement
R.W. Martin Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Other duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.