Director of Production Operations

Overview

About Model 1 Commercial Vehicles: Since we got our start in 1980, Model 1 Commercial Vehicles has grown to become the nation’s largest dealership, representing more than 20 top manufacturers across the U.S. And we did it all by listening to and investing in customers like you. Customers who want more than a dealer. Customers who want a partner in creative solutions to the challenges you face today, and visionary thinking for what’s next. It’s the strength of our relationships – both with customers and manufacturers – that allows us to keep a finger on the pulse of what our customers need and what’s possible to not just source but create together. Whether it’s custom-built vehicles or alternative fuel and electric vehicle (EV) options, customers have a partner from challenge all the way through solution and beyond. 

Our Core Values: At Model 1, we are committed to living our core values:

• Solving Problems: Trust what you know. Work together to find solutions.  See every angle and figure it out.
• Setting the Tone: Establish the mood that puts others at ease. Be the person that you’d want to interact with – approachable and transparent.
• Drive Forward: Keep your eyes up to see what’s ahead. Imagine better methods.  Seize opportunities.  Move the business and the market, meaningfully.
• Find Balance: Match your energy at work to your energy with family, friends, and community. Decide and align your priorities.  Pour into yourself and those around you.
• Own It: Take the extra step. Fix issues when they come up.  Care from start to finish.  Do the right thing, every time.

Job Summary: The Director of Production Operations is responsible for leading Model 1’s four Production Centers to achieve high-volume, high-quality output while driving continuous improvement across all operational functions. This role oversees the Production Operations Managers and works closely with cross-functional partners to increase production capacity, standardize processes across locations, and improve operational efficiency and throughput. Through hands-on leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to operational excellence, the Director ensures that each production hub performs at its highest potential while supporting Model 1’s long-term growth and expansion objectives. This position plays a critical role in shaping consistent production performance, strengthening communication across teams, and ensuring Model 1 continues to deliver exceptional value and service to its customers.

What You Will Gain

• Competitive benefits including health insurance, paid holidays, and vacation pay
• Continuous training to provide you the opportunity to develop your full potential and be a true business partner
• Access to an expansive network of mentors and networking opportunities
• Top quality technology to assist in your daily responsibilities to allow for more efficiencies to deliver outstanding customer service

Responsibilities

Below is an overview of the duties and responsibilities you would take on in this role:

Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Lead production operations across Duncan, OK; Elkhart, IN; Summerville, SC; and Chino, CA, ensuring all locations meet production targets and delivery goals.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to increase capacity, expand throughput, and improve overall production performance.
• Implement standardized processes, workflows, and operating procedures across all production centers.
• Partner with OEMs to ensure build quality, correct specifications, and resolution of issues impacting production or customer requirements.
• Influence staffing levels, shift structures, and resource allocation to maximize facility output in partnership with local management.

Production Delivery & Scheduling

• Work with production scheduling and forecasting teams to align staffing, capacity planning, and facility resources with corporate production targets.
• Ensure facilities are prepared for customer acceptance appointments, including unit readiness, documentation, and inspection preparation.
• Lead or co-lead daily and weekly production meetings to ensure alignment, resolve constraints, and improve on-time delivery performance.
• Ensure accurate and reliable production reporting with consistent communication to the executive team and cross-functional partners.

Quality, Customer Acceptance, Safety & Profitability

• Oversee customer acceptance readiness for fleet and transit deliveries, ensuring all units meet required inspection and acceptance criteria.
• Collaborate with local teams to ensure customer acceptance processes are executed consistently and documented properly.
• Approve and direct corrective actions for defects identified during customer inspections.
• Prioritize rework activities to support customer timelines and reduce cycle time.
• Partner with Warranty and Aftermarket teams to review quality trends, warranty claims, rework drivers, and production-related build standards.
• Support development and implementation of quality assurance processes and inspection procedures.
• Maintain a safe, efficient, and compliant working environment across all production hubs.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities in labor utilization, workflow efficiency, rework reduction, and facility operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate internally across Sales, Planning, Warranty, Field Service, and Aftermarket Operations to ensure seamless resolution of customer acceptance findings and inspection-related issues.
• Collaborate with Sales and Planning to align customer delivery timelines with operational capacity.
• Participate in strategic planning for new facility expansions, equipment needs, and long-term production capabilities.
• Serve as an escalation point for operational challenges, OEM specification issues, or customer concerns requiring leadership involvement.

Team Leadership & Development

• Directly manage and develop the Production Operations Managers at each production hub.
• Set performance expectations, provide coaching and feedback, and ensure accountability to KPIs, quality standards, and production goals.
• Ensure all production teams execute customer acceptance processes consistently across all sites.
• Foster a culture of communication, teamwork, continuous improvement, and professional growth.

Qualifications

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in production operations, automotive upfitting, fleet/commercial vehicles, or related manufacturing environments.
• Proven leadership experience managing multi-site operations or high-volume production facilities.
• Strong operational discipline with experience in capacity planning, labor forecasting, and process standardization.
• Demonstrated ability to drive efficiency, quality, and performance improvements across diverse teams.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Ability to travel frequently to all production hubs.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand/walk for extended periods, and work in a shop environment
• Valid driver’s license required
• Must pass background check and drug screen

Pay Range

$125,000 - $165,000