Director of Operations

Position Overview

Lead the Costa Rica Engineering Design Center of Excellence (COE), overseeing Engineering Shared Services, Drafting, and cross-functional support teams. Responsible for driving operational excellence, delivering high-quality engineering services, leading organizational change, managing engineering resources and capacity, and aligning technical operations with business objectives in a matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Costa Rica Design Center, providing direction to engineering managers, supervisors, and technical teams.; Drive execution of engineering projects, ensuring quality, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction.; Partner with North American Design Center leaders to prioritize work, allocate resources, and optimize engineering capacity.; Develop workforce planning, forecasting, and resource management strategies to support project execution.; Monitor operational KPIs, productivity, labor costs, asset utilization, and continuous improvement initiatives.; Build high-performing, adaptable engineering teams through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and talent development.; Lead process improvement, standardization, automation, and AI initiatives to enhance engineering efficiency.; Manage operational risks, develop mitigation plans, and ensure achievement of production and business goals.; Collaborate with HR on recruiting, employee development, training, career progression, and performance management.; Maintain strong communication across global teams and stakeholders while fostering collaboration in a matrix organization.; Develop local supplier relationships and support site operations in Costa Rica.; Lead continuous improvement of engineering processes, operating procedures, workload management, and business performance.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering required.; Minimum 10 years of experience in engineering, technical management, or operations leadership.; Minimum 5 years of experience as a Site Manager , with a proven track record of leading teams and coordinating cross-functional departments.; Ability to travel up to 25% , as required.; Strong knowledge of engineering disciplines, design tools, processes, and procedures.; Strong understanding of engineering operations and team management.; Proven ability to influence leadership and drive new ideas, products, and initiatives.; Experience leading multiple departments, cross-functional teams, or complex projects in a fast-paced environment.; Solid understanding of technology, digital solutions, and model-based engineering.; Experience driving process improvement initiatives.; Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across all organizational levels.; Strong leadership, people management, performance management, and organizational management skills.; Excellent organizational, planning, and multitasking abilities.; Excellent verbal and written communication skills.; Strong business acumen with exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills.; Experience preparing and delivering presentations to senior leadership.; Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

Nice to have

Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred.; Experience in industrial, manufacturing, and/or building products environments.; Six Sigma certification preferred.; Experience using Primavera P6 for project planning and scheduling.