Director of Assembly Operations

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.

Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Job Overview

This role supports end-to-end leadership of the Assemblies business across North America, acting as a key operational and commercial integrator. Responsible for managing 5 assembly plants, driving GPS-based continuous improvement, and executing growth initiatives in alignment with commercial strategy. Focused on building bench strength, improving operational performance, and enabling future leadership succession.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Lead and coordinate 5 hose plant assembly operations across North America.
• Drive footprint rationalization, cost optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Own demand and production planning in coordination with S&OP and commercial teams.
• Act as primary interface for customer coordination and service performance.
• Partner with commercial teams to deliver revenue growth and improve customer experience.
• Deploy Gates Production System (GPS) and Lean practices across assembly sites.
• Monitor and drive SQDCI performance across all plants.
• Build leadership capability and succession pipeline across plant management teams.

Requirements and Preferred Skills

Qualifications/Experience:

• BA/BS in industrial, mechanical engineering, or business administration (MBA preferred)
• Minimum of 10+ years' multi-plant managerial experience leading manufacturing and operations teams in industrial, automotive supplier or industrial technology
• Experience in both Union and non-Union environment
• Expertise in plant automation/robotics and/or experience in automating plant operations
• Experience managing an industrial manufacturing environment as a hands-on senior operational leader
• Experience in a high growth atmosphere with rapid hiring and training
• Experience working with manufacturing-based technology, processes, and principles
• Prior experience with plant layout, managing multiple facilities and opening new plants

Required Skills

• Advanced knowledge of lean manufacturing systems processes, products, and customers.
• Strong commitment to safety and a track record of continuously improving safety in operations.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and function within matrixed teams' environment including Finance, Commercial, Engineering, HR, and Marketing.
• Performs work without appreciable direction while providing leadership on future manufacturing direction and continually improving organizational policies in the manufacturing area of the organization.
• Excellent oral, presentation, written and listening skills.
• Commitment to building a culture accountable to serving customers and employees with an urgency to meet or exceed expectations.
• Track record of, and commitment to, doing things the right way.
• Ability to coach, mentor and develop talent within the company.
• Demonstrated successful change management experience.
• The ability to articulate a compelling vision to all levels of the organization to accomplish cultural improvements which are sustainable, and people oriented.
• Proven ability to successfully develop and implement systems and processes which deliver quality, customer satisfaction, efficiency, and safety goals.
• Strong business and financial acumen.
• Demonstrates knowledge of establishing milestones and implementation (execution skills) while meeting commitments, prioritizing, scheduling, planning, anticipating obstacles, and managing risk.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Travel

• Ability to travel domestically and international ~65+%

Physical Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Plant: Move a minimum of 30lbs., spatial awareness/depth perception, walk, climb, bend at the waist, reach, forceful use of hand tools, vocal projection.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; see, talk or hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Personal protective equipment will be required when physically in manufacturing settings, including hearing protection, eye protection, and safety shoes.

Pay & Benefits

• Full-Time
• Salary Range: $180,000 - $200,000
• Bonus Eligible
• Relocation is not provided
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
• Eligible for 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days.
• 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
• Tuition Reimbursement

Why Gates?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Work Environment

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.