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Our client in Columbus, Ohio is an innovative mechanical engineering firm specializing in the design and production of precision testing equipment used in environmental and cancer research applications. As they continue to expand globally—with 13 international distribution partners and a newly launched product line—they’re seeking a Head / Director of Operations to bring structure, clarity, and scalability to their growing organization.
Reporting directly to the VP of Finance & Operations, this role will lead the company’s supply chain, procurement, production, and stockroom/shipping functions, while serving as a connective hub across sales, QA, engineering, and finance. The ideal candidate is a strategic operator with strong business judgment, technical acuity, and a growth mindset—someone who thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments and knows how to turn chaos into order.
Key Focus Areas
- Operational Leadership: Oversee and optimize daily operations across supply chain, procurement, production, and logistics to ensure seamless coordination and delivery.
- Process Design & Structure: Identify gaps, build scalable processes, and implement documentation and workflow systems that enable sustainable growth.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a bridge between sales, QA, engineering, and finance—translating needs, resolving bottlenecks, and aligning priorities across teams.
- Strategic Execution: Partner with the VP of Finance & Ops to define and deliver key operational goals, while ensuring measurable return on investment in all initiatives.
- Change Management: Lead with influence, not force—building trust, assigning ownership, and driving accountability throughout the organization.
- Business Acumen: Apply sound judgment to balance short-term results with long-term strategic goals in a technically complex, project-based environment.
- Growth & Innovation: Foster a culture of continuous improvement, adaptability, and data-driven decision-making to support the company’s next phase of expansion.
Preferred Attributes
- Strong operational leadership experience in a manufacturing, engineering, or technology-driven environment.
- Demonstrated ability to design, document, and implement new processes and systems.
- Comfortable leading through ambiguity and scaling infrastructure in a high-growth organization.
- Technically curious with the ability to understand and communicate within engineering and production contexts.
- Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite strongly preferred).
- Level-headed communicator with exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Why This Role
This is an opportunity to shape the backbone of a growing company making a tangible impact in environmental and life sciences research. You’ll have the freedom to design process where it doesn’t yet exist, implement systems that drive efficiency, and influence how the business operates at every level.
Reference: 1043022
Worried that you don’t meet every single requirement listed in the job ad? Studies have shown that individuals from marginalized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Hive + Co. is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and representative workplace, so if you’re excited about this role, but worried that you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyways. We’d love to get to know you.