Director of Operations

Role overview

This leadership position is responsible for the operational results of the company’s multi-country manufacturing network. The role aligns several plants around shared standards for quality, service, cost, compliance, and safety. It also focuses on building regional talent, improving production flow between sites, and helping the business achieve revenue and profit goals. In this role, you will shape the long-range manufacturing strategy for the region so the operation can support both present and future demand.

This is an onsite position at the Milwaukee headquarters office.

Key responsibilities

• Set up and sustain standardized operating systems across locations so work is repeatable, standard work is followed, and continuous improvement remains embedded in the culture.
• Own regional resource planning from end to end, covering people, equipment, facilities, and systems to support revenue, profit, and service outcomes across the US.
• Work closely with Finance, Supply Chain, and Engineering as a data-focused strategic partner to improve results beyond individual plants.
• Build and strengthen a region-wide safety culture through active leadership involvement and the removal of unsafe behaviors and risks at every site.
• Make sure company, regulatory, and customer requirements are built into site operations and consistently followed by local leadership teams.
• Develop and execute an annual improvement roadmap for the region that advances safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Increase capability in data gathering and fast improvement cycles so sites can use control systems effectively and respond to performance trends.
• Own organizational health by helping employees understand operating systems and ensuring sites are staffed and structured to remain resilient through leadership changes.

Candidate requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing) or Operations Management from an accredited college or university; an MBA with an Operations Management or Global Management concentration is preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in manufacturing leadership, including at least 7 years showing clear career progression; multi-site leadership experience is preferred.
• Five or more years of experience using Tier 1 or Tier 2 ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics in a manufacturing setting.
• Background across multiple functions such as supply chain, sourcing, engineering, logistics, or finance.
• Strong experience leading varied teams, including both exempt plant leaders and nonexempt employees.
• Proven ability to plan strategically and communicate effectively, including influencing senior executives.
• Ability to evaluate metrics, financial statements, and operational data and convert ERP information into practical recommendations for leadership.
• Experience guiding teams through technology changes or system-led process improvements.
• Willingness and ability to travel overnight up to 50%, including domestic and international travel.

About the company

Brady develops products that help make workplaces safer and more productive. The company is a global provider of safety, identification, and compliance solutions serving a wide variety of industries. Its manufacturing capabilities support customers in sectors such as electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, electrical, construction, healthcare, and aerospace.

As of July 31, 2025, Brady employed about 6,400 people worldwide and reported fiscal 2025 sales of approximately $1.51 billion. The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BRC.

Why consider this opportunity

Brady has been in business for more than 100 years and offers a collaborative environment with a strong focus on innovation and growth. The company emphasizes inclusion, community involvement, and global teamwork across its 70+ locations.

Benefits

• Health coverage available from day one, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-matched 401(k)
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Incentive program participation for all full-time employees
• Family-building support such as paid parental leave, fertility coverage, adoption assistance, and surrogacy assistance
• Education reimbursement support
• Scholarships for employees’ children
• Employee Resource Groups for networking, professional development, and volunteering
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness support for mental and behavioral health, family counseling, and financial management
• Flexible dress-for-your-day policy
• Matched charitable giving through the company’s Matching Gift program