About the job
Pacific International is partnering with a confidential, publicly traded global industrial technology and advanced materials organization with a significant international footprint. The company is recognized for delivering highly engineered, mission‑critical solutions that support complex manufacturing and industrial processes worldwide.
As part of its continued investment in regional operational excellence, the organization is strengthening its North American manufacturing leadership structure. The business is seeking an Associate Director of Operations – North America to play a critical role in translating global strategy into high‑performance regional execution across multiple manufacturing and fabrication sites in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
This is a highly visible operational leadership position, partnering closely with senior regional leadership, plant managers, and cross‑functional teams. The role carries responsibility for driving safety, quality, delivery, cost performance, and continuous improvement while developing strong plant leadership capability and operational discipline across the region.
The successful leader will bring a hands‑on, data‑driven operating mindset, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and day‑to‑day execution in a decentralized, performance‑focused organization. The role offers strong executive exposure and the opportunity to make a tangible impact across a complex, multi‑site manufacturing footprint.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide regional operational leadership and oversight across multiple North American manufacturing and fabrication sites
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable operating plans with measurable performance outcomes
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using structured operating system, Lean, and Six Sigma methodologies
• Drive standardization, KPI discipline, benchmarking, and operational best practices across sites
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with environmental, quality, and regulatory standards
• Oversee regional engineering activities and capital projects (typically under $1M)
• Develop, mentor, and coach plant managers and operational leaders to build a high‑performance culture
• Partner with commercial and technical teams to support customer commitments and resolve operational escalations
Ideal Candidate Profile
• 8–12+ years of progressive operations leadership experience within complex manufacturing environments
• Proven experience leading multi‑site or regional manufacturing operations
• Strong background in continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, and KPI‑driven performance management
• Experience managing capital projects, engineering initiatives, and cost‑reduction programs
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence without direct authority
• Comfortable operating within a decentralized, global organization
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline (MBA or advanced degree preferred)
About Pacific International Executive Search:
Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape.
Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally.
Diversity Statement:
At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.