Operations Director in Durham, North Carolina at Durham Exchange Club Industries

Make an Impact. Lead with Purpose. Drive Operational Excellence.

At Durham Exchange Club Industries (DECI), our mission is both simple and powerful: to open doors of opportunity for individuals with disabilities. We are committed to helping people with vocational disabilities discover their strengths, build self-worth, and achieve their full potential through meaningful work and competitive wages. DECI is committed to delivering excellence for our customers while fostering a workplace where every individual can thrive.

We are seeking a dynamic Operations Director who is passionate about both operational excellence and people-centered leadership. In this role, you’ll oversee production, warehouse, and facilities operations while helping advance a mission that truly makes a difference in the community. This is more than a leadership role - it’s an opportunity to shape efficient systems, empower diverse teams, and contribute to a purpose-driven organization where your impact is both measurable and meaningful.

What You’ll Do
Leadership & Operational Strategy

• Lead and inspire teams across Production, Warehouse, Facilities, and Engineering
• Collaborate with Production Managers to optimize scheduling, quality, job setup, and new product introduction
• Partner with the COO on long-term strategy, capacity planning, and technology implementation
• Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Operational Excellence

• Oversee inventory management, space planning, and equipment allocation
• Ensure seamless movement of materials within the ERP system and into production
• Monitor production progress to meet - and exceed - customer deadlines
• Develop and implement KPIs and reporting tools to enhance productivity and reduce costs

Facilities & Maintenance Management

• Manage preventative maintenance and repairs for production equipment and infrastructure
• Coordinate with vendors for installations, service contracts, and complex repairs
• Ensure facilities meet operational needs, including support for lease customers

Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure adherence to ISO 9001, FDA, and CARF standards
• Lead resolution of quality issues and implement preventative solutions
• Maintain a strong focus on safety, organization, and operational excellence

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with Sales, Customer Service, and Production teams to align on customer needs and schedules
• Foster strong relationships across departments and with external stakeholders
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on operations, facilities, and inventory

People Leadership & Development

• Coach, mentor, and develop leaders and team members
• Oversee hiring, performance management, and staff development
• Champion a positive, inclusive culture that supports individuals of all abilities
• Promote professional growth through training and development opportunities

Why DECI? At DECI, we believe in creating opportunities, empowering people, and delivering excellence. You’ll join a team dedicated to making a difference - while building a career that’s both impactful and rewarding.

• Mission-driven work
• Collaborative, people-first culture
• Opportunities for growth and leadership
• Commitment to inclusion

Ready to lead, innovate, and make an impact? Apply today and help shape the future of operations at DECI.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Business, or related field – or – 5+ years of successful leadership experience in operations, production, or project management
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple teams and priorities
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution abilities
• Experience in quality systems, compliance, and process improvement
• High level of judgment, initiative, and problem-solving capability
• Advanced organizational skills with the ability to manage complex operations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

What Sets You Apart

• You lead with integrity, empathy, and accountability
• You thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments
• You’re passionate about continuous improvement and innovation
• You’re committed to equity and inclusion

Additional Requirements

• Ability to lift/move up to 35 lbs. and support production tasks as needed
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and schedules
• Willingness to assist in emergency situations (including restraint if certified)
• Maintain accurate records and ensure secure facility operations

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Computer Skills: Exceptional computer training/experience. MS Office environment (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

Other Requirements: U.S. Citizen or U.S. work qualification