Director Operations

About Justrite Safety Group

At Justrite Safety Group, we're more than just a collection of industrial safety companies; we're a dynamic organization dedicated to protecting people, property, and the planet. Our ever-growing portfolio of companies collaborates to deliver advanced industrial safety solutions that set the standard for excellence.

As our business continues to grow, we continue to look for top talent to join our team as we lead the charge in revolutionizing industrial safety, ensuring that every worker returns home safe, every workplace remains secure, and our environment thrives for generations to come. With Justrite Safety Group, safety isn't just a priority—it's our passion.

Our Chemical & Environmental Safety division is a market leader, providing a wide range of essential products that ensure chemical and environmental compliance across numerous industries. We manufacture equipment designed for the secure storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials, including chemical safety cabinets, spill containment systems, and safety cans. Our comprehensive product portfolio also includes safety showers, eyewashes, and chemical labeling items, all aimed at protecting workers and assets. This holistic approach to hazardous materials management helps reduce the risk of accidents and environmental harm.

The Contribution You'll bring to this Role:

The Operations Director will lead the Australian manufacturing operations, driving safety, quality, efficiency, and cost optimization. This role will oversee end-to-end plant operations, supply chain coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring alignment with global strategies. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Operations Director will be responsible for strategic planning, process improvement, team leadership, and operational excellence to enhance production performance and business growth.

In this role, you will report directly to the Managing Director setting the stage for your career to soar This role is your gateway to opportunities for advancement, with the potential to grow within the organization in 3-5 years as you make meaningful contributions to our organizational goals.

About the Team:

As a member of our Operations team, you will be dedicated to driving efficiency and excellence across all aspects of our business. With a focus on streamlined processes and innovative solutions, they ensure that our operations run smoothly and effectively. Comprised of skilled professionals who are leaders in their field, the team is committed to optimizing performance and delivering high-quality results. Their expertise is key to maintaining our competitive edge and supporting the growth and success of our company.

What You'll Do at Justrite:

Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Oversee plant operations, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
  • Develop and execute a manufacturing optimization strategy focused on OTD, labor/material efficiencies, and capital utilization.
    • Define and implement Lean manufacturing principles and a culture of continuous improvement (One-piece flow, Lean Daily Management, Standard Work, SMED, Kanban, A3 Thinking, etc.).
      • Drive cross-functional collaboration to align local operations with global business objectives.
        • Identify and implement capital improvement projects to enhance efficiency, output, and ROI.

Financial & Performance Management

• Develop, manage, and approve budgets, KPIs, and operational metrics across production, purchasing, logistics, and labor.
  • Ensure financial targets around EBITA, working capital (PPV, MUV, inventory accuracy), and cost reduction initiatives are met.
    • Optimize warehouse cost, freight management, and material usage to enhance profitability.
      • Maintain healthy safety stock levels to support business continuity.

Leadership & People Development

• Build and lead a high-performing operations team through selection, coaching, and professional development.
  • Establish a cadence of Gemba meetings, KPI reviews, and action plans to drive accountability and operational clarity.
    • Empower and mentor managers to foster ownership, engagement, and high-quality performance within their teams.
      • Maintain a strong, collaborative relationship with the union to support workforce stability and engagement.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure full regulatory compliance with Australian workplace safety and manufacturing laws.
  • Lead Lean transformation efforts to create a visual factory and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Enhance plant efficiencies and margins through process optimization and automation.
  • Support global material sourcing and regional manufacturing expansion efforts.

Your Skills and Expertise:

To ensure your success from day one in this role, Justrite requires the following qualifications at a minimum:

• BS in Engineering, Business, or Management required; MBA preferred.
  • 10+ years in operations management within manufacturing
  • Proven Lean manufacturing expertise (Value Stream Mapping, A3, SMED, TPM, Kaizen, etc.).

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

• Experience developing and executing manufacturing optimization and footprint analysis.
  • Strong ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced environment.
    • Experience working in a small to medium-sized manufacturing company.
      • Union workforce experience required.
      • Industry experience in metal fabrication, plastic molding, powder coating is preferred.
      • Lean Certification is a plus.

Compensation:

The position offers a competitive base salary and will be eligible to participate in the Justrite Sales Incentive Plan which offers a big opportunity to enhance the total compensation package.

Benefits:

Our benefits package at Justrite Safety Group is designed to be the best in the industry, offering everything you need to support your career and personal well-being. You will receive a competitive salary and benefits package. We understand the importance of work-life balance, so we offer flexible hours and remote work options, giving you the freedom to manage your time effectively. These options vary depending on the specific roles and business needs. At Justrite, our benefits package is designed to help you thrive both in and out of the workplace.

Why Choose Justrite Safety Group?

As a leading name in the safety industry, Justrite provides a platform where you can collaborate with some of the best professionals in the field, learning from experts and contributing to cutting-edge solutions. The company's commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that you'll be part of a team that is making a real impact. With a strong focus on career advancement, Justrite empowers its employees to thrive both personally and professionally, making it an ideal workplace for those looking to grow their careers in a meaningful and rewarding environment.

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to product excellence and making a positive impact in our company, and in our community