Director of Operations- Mounted Products

Location:
US Remote

Salary Range: $

207,000.00 to $

246,000.00

About SKF:

SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow!

SKF is an industry-leading manufacturer that has been a cornerstone in industrial life. Wherever there are machines or products in motion, SKF bearings are there to reduce friction. SKF drives the industries that support our way of life, powers the machines that put food on the table, and even helps explore the cosmos.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030.

We're guided by our SKF values. Collaboration is critical to the success of our colleagues, partners, and customers. Curiosity and Courage provide a foundation for innovation and advancement. And we do this work out of Care for our people, customers, communities, and the planet.

We're a company committed to a culture of belonging, where all our people are encouraged to be themselves and grow their careers in an equitable environment.

Learn about SKF at www.skf.com.

Position Overview

We are seeking an exceptional and hands-on leader to drive world-class factory performance and establish an agile end-to-end (E2E) supply chain for mounted bearing products. This role combines strategic supply chain leadership with operational excellence, ensuring Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People Morale targets are achieved. The Operations Director will lead with a relentless commitment to customer satisfaction, innovation, business growth, and profitability, fully aligned with SKF and Americas business strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Supply Chain Strategy & Footprint Optimization
  
  
  • Evaluate current manufacturing and distribution footprints to define optimal locations for customized manufacturing hubs and standard stock centers.
    
  • Build agile supply chain networks capable of rapid fulfillment within short lead times.
    
  
  
  
  
• Lean Manufacturing & Factory Excellence
  
  
  • Implement and sustain Lean Manufacturing principles, driving continuous improvement, waste elimination, and process flow optimization.
    
  • Lead the SKF Production System (SPS), engaging employees in structured problem-solving and performance improvement.
    
  • Drive factory performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People Development targets.
    
  
  
  
  
• Inventory & Distribution Management
  
  
  • Establish lean inventory models balancing availability of customized and standard products with cost efficiency.
    
  • Oversee E2E planning and distribution to ensure seamless order-to-delivery cycles.
    
  
  
  
  
• Innovation & Digitalization
  
  
  • Drive automation, digitalization, and operational transparency to enhance efficiency and agility.
    
  • Support rapid new product launches through agile processes and customer responsiveness.
    
  
  
  
  
• Strategic & Annual Planning
  
  
  • Develop and execute strategic and annual activity plans aligned with business KPIs and long-term objectives.
    
  • Manage capacity, capital investments, and process capability to ensure delivery reliability and resilience.
    
  
  
  
  
• Leadership & Culture
  
  
  • Foster a high-performance, people-centric culture built on engagement, accountability, and leadership development.
    
  • Lead change management initiatives, embedding Lean thinking and continuous improvement across all levels.
    
  • Collaborate cross-functionally and cross-culturally to enhance E2E supply chain integration and customer value creation.
    
  
  
  
  
• Compliance & Values
  
  
  • Ensure full compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental, and legal requirements.
    
  • Uphold SKF's Code of Conduct and corporate values in all operations.
    
  
  
  
  

Core Competencies & Skills

• Strong foundation in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
  
• Expertise in E2E supply chain planning, inventory optimization, and agile distribution networks.
  
• Deep understanding of Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory compliance.
  
• Proven business and financial acumen, including P&L management, cost control, and capital budgeting.
  
• Strategic mindset with focus on innovation, automation, and digital transformation.
  
• Strong customer focus with ability to translate customer needs into operational priorities.
  
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management skills.
  
• Ability to build high-performing teams and promote a "people-first" culture.
  
• Effective collaboration across Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and HR.
  
• Skilled in data-driven decision-making, problem-solving, and project execution.
  

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field; MBA preferred.
  
• Minimum 15 years of manufacturing and plant management experience, including at least 5 years as Plant Manager or equivalent leading full-site operations.
  
• Demonstrated success in Lean Manufacturing deployment and achieving measurable results in cost, quality, delivery, and safety.
  
• Experience in precision machining and assembly operations.
  
• Strong customer focus with proven ability to partner with Sales to drive growth and profitability.
  
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with proven success in cross-functional, multicultural environments.
  
• Fluent in English (verbal and written).
  
• Location - The successful candidate will need to located in the US, and be in office at one of our locations.
  

Impact of the Role

By ensuring availability of customized and standard mounted bearing products through lean inventory practices, the Operations Director will directly contribute to:

• Increased customer satisfaction through rapid fulfillment.
  
• Enhanced sales growth by meeting diverse product demands.
  
• Improved profitability through optimized supply chain efficiency.
  

What You'll Love About SKF:

Rest and Relaxation.

Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.

Work/Life Integration.

SKF supports work/life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being and health. Flexible work options available, depending on role.

Diversity in the Workplace.?

At SKF, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish; leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership, engagement and innovation.

Best in Class Benefits.

SKF cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment. Added benefits include company paid life insurance, STD, LTD. Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs, and much more!

Bonus.

SKF offers STVS (Short Term Variable Salary) or Sales Incentive based on company performance and at the discretion of management.

Invest in your Future.

Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution: 100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.

Reports to:
Vice President, Operations Americas

Location:
US Remote

Job ID: 23724

SKF provides equal employment [and affirmative action] opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.


By applying to this job you acknowledge how SKF treats candidate data. Click HERE
to review the SKF Data Privacy Consent Statement.