Director of Operations

Melton Machine & Control Company

Melton Machine & Control Company

Director of Operations

Seeking a people-focused operations leader with a passion for developing strong teams, strengthening processes, and driving a culture of continuous improvement within our growing, employee-owned manufacturing business!

ABOUT MELTON MACHINE

100% employee-owned since 1985, Melton Machine & Control Company (“Melton”) is built on a culture of shared ownership, accountability, and pride in delivering exceptional results. More than an ownership structure, Melton’s employee-owned mindset shapes how its people approach their work, collaborate across teams, solve problems, and serve customers. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Washington, Missouri, Melton is a leading designer, builder, and integrator of custom industrial automation systems, specializing in robotic welding, advanced manufacturing equipment, and turnkey automation solutions. With more than 55 years of experience, Melton partners with manufacturers across diverse industries to solve complex production challenges, improve efficiency, and enhance quality and productivity.

Operating from a 365,000-square-foot facility in Washington, Missouri, Melton brings together deep engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a customer-centric approach to deliver highly customized automation solutions. Its capabilities span robotic and automated welding, assembly automation, tooling and fixtures, material handling, inspection and testing, and custom-engineered equipment. Supported by a team of talented engineers, Melton combines technical innovation with hands-on problem-solving and disciplined project execution to serve customers around the world. As the company continues to expand its capabilities and diversify the markets it serves, Melton remains committed to an employee-owned culture where individuals think and act like owners, take pride in their craftsmanship, and share responsibility for the company’s long-term success. Learn more at www.meltonmachine.com.

Reporting to Melton’s VP of Operations, our Director of Operations will serve as a key leader of Melton’s Engineering and Manufacturing Departments. Partnering closely with engineering, manufacturing, sales, finance and executive leadership, this role will help develop standardized management systems, improve cross functional collaboration, and strengthen organizational capability to support consistent project execution. Ideal candidates bring experience with custom manufacturing, industrial automation, and/or capital equipment.

YOUR ROLE AS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

• PROVIDE ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP – Lead mechanical engineering, controls engineering and manufacturing departments to ensure the successful execution of customer projects while driving collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement throughout the department. This integrator will lead with a people-centric mindset, a forward-thinking mentality and a broad base of lean manufacturing and operational experiences to take current capabilities to the next level. You will serve as a cross functional partner to enable Melton to scale, improve consistency across departments and develop future leadership.

• LEAD MANUFACTURING & OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE – Champion the continued evolution of Melton’s manufacturing and operational excellence programs, building scalable systems and processes that drive efficiency, consistency, accountability and performance across the organization. Strengthen operational discipline through the development and implementation of Daily Management Systems (DMS), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and continuous improvement initiatives that drive measurable results. Leverage lean manufacturing principles and Theory of Constraints to identify bottlenecks, optimize workflows and improve overall operational performance. Enhance manufacturing processes, technology and business systems to improve visibility, streamline operations and support sustainable growth. Develop workforce capabilities while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence and shared ownership of results.

• DRIVE SAFETY, QUALITY + CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT – Provide leadership and accountability for the systems and processes that ensure every customer project meets Melton’s standards for safety, quality and operational readiness. Develop consistent practices across engineering and manufacturing to proactively identify risks, validate performance and ensure products are complete, thoroughly tested and ready for successful customer delivery. Champion a culture of continuous improvement by leveraging project outcomes, customer feedback and lessons learned to strengthen processes, improve execution and drive greater consistency and accountability across the organization.

• LEAD + MENTOR A HIGH PERFORMING TEAM – Lead, mentor and develop a team of three senior leaders with oversight for 50-80 team members. Foster a people-centric culture that emphasizes safety, ownership, collaboration, continuous improvement and operational discipline. Build organizational capability through intentional workforce planning, leadership coaching, employee development and meaningful career progression. Establish structured leadership development and succession planning processes, including High Potential Employee (HPE) development programs and Individual Development Plans (IDPs), to identify emerging talent, strengthen management effectiveness and prepare future leaders to support Melton’s continued growth and long-term success.

IS THIS A MATCH FOR YOU?

• You excel in an entrepreneurial environment and bring a passion for growing and scaling businesses. You consider yourself to be a student of lean manufacturing and a people-first leader.

• You have gained 5-10+ years of progressive manufacturing and operations leadership. You bring a demonstrated record of success in growing people, products and processes and a strong knowledge of lean philosophies and continuous improvement methodologies.

• You have prior experience in custom manufacturing, industrial automation, and/or capital equipment.

• You bring strong people leadership skills with a healthy dose of emotional intelligence. Your experience must include 5+ years of people leadership of manager- level talent with the desire and ability to inspire and motivate, manage conflict, and foster a healthy organizational culture rooted in collaboration and high expectations.

• You bring prior responsibility and oversight for delivery of safe, complete, and high-quality customer solutions. Direct oversight for a quality/safety function and A3 certification a plus!

• You are well-versed in proactively communicating in a clear and transparent manner with stakeholders at all levels. You confidently interact at all levels and react with diplomacy and tact.

• You are willing and able to flex between strategic and tactical priorities required, serving as a hands-on leader as necessary. Superior people and project management skills and proactive mindset required.

• You have developed a solid business and financial acumen and have experience contributing to operational financial performance through budget management, cost control, or direct collaboration with leaders accountable for business profitability.

• Your experience includes strong technical competencies across all relevant software and platforms. You are proficient in Microsoft Applications and have solid experience with ERP and CRM systems. Familiarity with Epicor ERP a plus.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, is required.

WHY JOIN US?

AN EMPLOYEE-OWNED COMPANY = COMMITTED & ENGAGED EMPLOYEES – Employees benefit from ESOPs. When employees have a stake in the company’s performance and profits, they are likely to be motivated to go above and beyond for the company. Employees feel an increased responsibility toward the company which motivates them to be more engaged and committed to their company’s success.

LONG-TERM ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT – Make a visible impact and help lead the next chapter of growth for Melton. Partner with leadership in driving actionable recommendations on both strategy and operations to develop and implement best practices and continuous improvement for sustainable future growth.

WORK LOCATION / RELOCATION / TRAVEL

This position requires a consistent in person presence at our primary office location in Washington, Missouri. Ability and willingness to travel as needed on a limited basis may be required. Travel outside of the local area is estimated at less than 10%. Relocation stipend available and immediate relocation will be desired.

COMPENSATION + BENEFITS

Melton is pleased to offer a competitive base salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, life insurance, STD and LTD, paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, 401K plan, professional development and ESOP contribution. In alignment with its entrepren