Director, Operations - Nordson Medical Fluid Components Job

Job Summary

The Director, Operations is responsible for setting direction, leading, and managing multiple sites to maximize profitability within the strategic guidelines of the division (which includes 2 U.S. manufacturing sites). This role will define and execute the overarching operations strategy, including detailed plans that drive sustainable, profitable growth. The Director will also develop and implement a long-term strategic plan for Operations while building and strengthening a high-performing team aligned with the division’s strategic objectives. Additionally, this leader will play a critical role in advancing Nordson’s Business System (NBS) by championing the Growth Framework and leading continuous improvement initiatives that deliver on the division’s core metrics. Equally important, this individual must bring well-rounded leadership experience and a strong commitment to developing and maintaining high-performing teams. As a member of the MFC leadership team, the Director, Operations will be expected to drive operational excellence across all areas of the business.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

* Oversee all operational functions of the division—including manufacturing, supply chain, and facilities—across multiple sites, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
* Define and implement manufacturing goals and operational management systems that deliver measurable improvements in on-time delivery, cost of poor quality, and overall efficiency.
* Develop and manage the operations budget, monitor financial performance, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or service.
* Drive operational optimization by simplifying processes, standardizing practices, and prioritizing key products to support sustainable, profitable growth.
* Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement by empowering employees and championing the Nordson Business System (NBS) to enhance performance and financial results.
* Establish strong relationships with corporate business partners to achieve leadership-level performance across all core divisional metrics.
* Collaborate with fellow Directors to promote cross-functional improvements, share best practices, and establish consistent, advanced operational standards across all facilities.
* Lead Operation innovation efforts by adopting new technologies and coordinating global operational projects to ensure alignment and consistency.
* Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory, safety, and environmental standards; proactively identify and mitigate operational risks.
* Establish KPIs and reporting systems to track operational performance and support data-driven decision-making.
* Collaborate with sales, customer service, and other departments to ensure operational activities meet or exceed customer expectations.
* Identify skill gaps, support professional development, and implement succession plans to ensure leadership continuity.
* Lead change initiatives effectively, ensuring smooth transitions and buy-in across the organization.
* Provide strong leadership to inspire followership, boost employee engagement, and develop a high-performing, productive workforce.

Education and Experience

* Successfully completed university studies as an engineer or comparable qualification (ideally in manufacturing technology)
* At least 10 years of proven operations leadership experience in the field of industrial manufacturing, ideally in the plastics field.
* Knowledge in the conception and implementation of simplification processes
* Bilingual is an advantage.
* Ability to set priorities and to work under pressure, can-do mentality.
* Self-motivated, independent, and proactive thinker with a deep desire to grow and learn.
* Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and presentation skills
* Strong history of leading, engaging, and cultivating teams that consistently exceed performance goals

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Office environment. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

#LI-NS1