Director of Operations - Thermal Engineered Materials

Job Requirements

Why work for us? 

Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.  

With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry’s most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways. 

The Operations Director directly manages a group of manufacturing facilities within a business unit and reports directly to the Senior Director of Operations. Key requirements for the job include:  a)driving EBITDA at each plant and for the business unit as a whole b) managing cost within the business unit and at each plant c)developing strategies to increase overall capacity and throughput within the business unit d) developing Plant Managers and other leaders within the business unit for future growth within the company e) optimizing working capital within the business unit  f) drive OTIF to world class levels to enhance the customer experience g) drive quality levels to optimum levels to ensure customer satisfaction h) optimize the use of capital expenditures within the network to support the overall mission of the company.

This position may play a part in due diligence for mergers and acquisitions as well as the integration of acquired companies within Alkegen. In addition, this role identifies and develops strategies for plant consolidations, supply chain optimization, inventory control and capacity increase across the Business Unit. 

Responsibilities

Drive Profitable Growth

• Analyze business decisions through a strong financial lens to drive profitability and sustainable growth.
• Demonstrate broad business acumen across products, markets, sales, operations, and financial performance.
• Manage budgets, P&L, capital investments, ROI, and EBITDA performance.
• Utilize strong analytical skills to evaluate opportunities, mitigate risks, and optimize results.
• Drive achievement of both short-term and long-term financial objectives.

Create Alignment and Accountability

• Establish and communicate a clear vision and strategic direction for Plant Managers and site leadership teams.
• Gain organizational alignment and ensure effective execution of business strategies.
• Lead the successful integration of acquisitions to maximize business value and operational performance.
• Manage complex business challenges and balance multiple priorities effectively.
• Oversee P&L performance, cost controls, and operational results across the business unit.
• Balance immediate business needs with long-term growth and sustainability objectives.
• Evaluate potential acquisition targets for operational effectiveness and financial viability.
• Maintain strong English communication skills to support leadership at all organizational levels.

Build Strategic Partnerships

• Serve as a role model for Alkegen’s Core Values and leadership principles.
• Demonstrate urgency, accountability, and sound judgment in achieving business objectives.
• Lead innovation initiatives by translating ideas into actionable business results.
• Influence and collaborate effectively within a matrixed organization.
• Build strong internal and external networks to drive business performance.
• Lead by example, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Effectively communicate across all levels of the organization and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and the ability to work successfully across global teams.
• Champion innovation and inspire stakeholders to pursue new opportunities and growth initiatives.
• Foster an entrepreneurial mindset and a shared sense of purpose throughout the organization.

Enhance Organizational Talent

• Build and sustain a highly engaged, high-performing organization.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent across the business.
• Coach and mentor employees to strengthen leadership capabilities and career development.
• Drive a results-oriented performance culture and address performance gaps when necessary.
• Develop leadership talent across functions, disciplines, and cultures.
• Motivate teams to achieve business objectives while supporting employee growth and engagement.

Key Competencies: 

The Director of Operations candidate: 

• Is a consistent role model for the Alkegen Core Values. 
• Demonstrates excellent process management and change management skills. 
• Drives Lean operating principles at all facilities within the business unit
• Ensures the maintenance and operability of capital equipment within the business unit
• Conducts regular audits of all plants within the business unit to ensure Alkegen operating standards are being met.
• Drives a culture of safety within all plants in the business unit.
• Has a focus on service levels and maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Stays updated on industry trends and new technologies for possible implementation.
• Develops relationships that enable effective leading, coaching, and development of team members. 
• Is a highly motivated problem solver able to balance priorities well under pressure. 
• Has influencing and networking skills to drive results internally in a matrix organization and externally with customers and vendors. 
• Communicates clearly with all stakeholder groups; quickly builds trust and respect. 
• Effectively manages deadlines, drives execution, and has a bias towards action. 
• Displays sound economic thinking skills and financial acumen. 

Qualifications & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management or related field required, MBA preferred. 
• 10-15 years of related experience focused within Manufacturing and Operations Management, particularly in continuous operations and capital-intensive operations. History of leading manufacturing operations successfully.  Experience in collaborating with Labor Unions, etc. 
• Track record of safety dedication and driving/supporting safety improvements. 
• Involvement within supply chain, quality, safety, engineering, planning and logistics activities. 
• Experience of practical application of Lean, Total Productive Maintenance, and/or Six Sigma tools. 
• Track record of driving continuous improvement and cost savings results. 
• Experience working to prioritize capital projects and establishing an annual business plan. 
• Practiced in financial analysis of operational performance.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 50% to support multiple manufacturing sites, business initiatives, and leadership activities.

Location

• This position may be based in Dallas, TX; Tonawanda, NY; Glastonbury, CT; or one of the assigned plant locations, depending on the selected candidate's location and business needs. Candidates are expected to work from their assigned location in accordance with the role's onsite/hybrid requirements.

New York / Connecticut Pay Transparency

• For candidates based in New York or Connecticut, the anticipated annual base salary ranges for this position is $180,000 - $206,000.
• Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, education, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, this position may be eligible for an annual incentive bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits Overview

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans
• Employer contributions to your Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Company-paid:
  • Short-Term Disability (STD) coverage
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage
  • Basic Life coverage
• A generous 401(k) with a company match
• A confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation, and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world. 

Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class.