Director of Manufacturing Operations - Expat (Asia or Mexico)

Job Description:

INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES!

At Milwaukee Tool, we believe our people and culture are the keys to our success. We are committed to empowering employees with resources and opportunities to redefine the industry. With a fast-paced, innovative environment, we foster growth, development, and excellence in every aspect of our operations. Join us to lead the transformation of power tools manufacturing on a global scale. Learn more about our story HERE.

Your Role on Our Team:

The Director of Operations will be responsible for defined operations functions supporting Milwaukee Tool’s global Power Tools facilities. You will drive operational excellence, implement world-class manufacturing strategies, and build high-performing teams that support Milwaukee Tool's ambitious growth.

This role will start in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the first six months and transition to an expatriate assignment in PRC, Vietnam, or Mexico, where you will lead initiatives that align with our global expansion and operational strategies.

You'll be DISRUPTIVE through these duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and execute an operational strategy that delivers best-in-class safety, quality, service levels, and cost efficiency.
• Establish manufacturing strategies, footprints, facilities, and operations to support global business growth and customer requirements effectively and efficiently.
• Build and maintain a global culture rooted in Milwaukee Tool’s core values, fostering open communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Implement operational disciplines and best practices, including Lean principles, 5S, KPI dashboards, workforce agility, and data-driven decision-making.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying and addressing gaps in processes, systems, and technologies across the global value stream.
• Collaborate with New Product Development teams to ensure seamless integration of operations for global product launches.
• Lead the development and mentoring of high-energy, talented operations teams across all regions.
• Monitor, report, and analyze operational performance globally, leveraging technology and real-time data for informed decision-making.
• Build strong relationships with cross-functional teams, including sales, engineering, and product management, to ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Cultivate end-user demand and distribution partnerships through strategic promotions, training, and engagement initiatives.

What TOOLS you’ll bring with you:

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive management experience in manufacturing operations, including exposure to global manufacturing.
• Expertise in high-volume consumer product assembly component manufacturing.
• Proven track record of strategic planning, Profit and Loss (P&L) management, and Quality Systems.
• Strong understanding of Lean principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.

Other TOOLS we prefer you to have:

• Experience in start-up or high-growth manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize processes through value stream mapping and other Lean tools.
• Strong business judgment with the ability to prioritize and articulate high-impact initiatives.
• Familiarity with diverse cultural environments and ability to lead teams across multiple geographies.

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.