Senior Director, Cherne Global Operations
Cherne
Why Oatey?
Since 1916, Oatey has provided reliable, high-quality products for the residential and commercial plumbing industries, with a commitment to delivering quality, building trust and improving lives. Today, Oatey operates a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network comprised of industry leading family of companies: Oatey, Cherne, Keeney, Quick Drain, Hercules, Dearborn, GF Thompson, William H. Harvey, Masters, Contact, Belanger, Lansas, and Durgo.
At Oatey, we're doing big things — and by joining us, you'll have the chance to do big things too. You can build a strong career in an innovative, inclusive, high-performance environment, with the confidence that your company cares — about you, our customers and our world. Ready to make an impact in a place where you matter?
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Position Summary:
The Senior Director, Cherne Global Operations will provide strategic leadership and oversight for Cherne (part of the Oatey family of brands) manufacturing and distribution sites in Shakopee, Minnesota and Eijsden, Netherlands. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations that meet customer requirements, deliver exceptional quality products, and maintain a strong focus on associate engagement. The role will integrate operational and engineering expertise to drive continuous improvement, innovation, and scalability across global facilities, aligning with Oatey’s long-term growth strategies.
Primary Responsibilities:
Safety & Compliance
Ensure the well-being and safety of all associates across all sites.
Maintain all safety requirements and compliance programs, including behavior safety observations, incident reporting, and corrective actions.
Management and Leadership
Direct two Cherne manufacturing and distribution operations.
Provide leadership for the Engineering and Operations functions, ensuring alignment between product design, manufacturing processes, operational performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Drive safe, efficient, and timely execution of all manufacturing and engineering processes.
Ensure processes, standards, and procedures are followed to deliver world-class quality products.
Provide technical and engineering oversight to optimize manufacturing performance and scalability.
Partner with Engineering, R&D, and New Product Development to integrate engineering solutions into new and improved product development.
Lead capital investment planning and engineering-driven initiatives to support innovation and growth.
Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations and company policies across all operations.
Strategic Planning & Financial Management
Develop and manage operating budgets for multi-site operations.
Lead 5-year strategic planning, aligning operations and engineering strategies with corporate goals and global opportunities.
Drive productivity improvements, cost savings, and margin enhancement initiatives.
Continuous Improvement
Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies across international operations.
Develop and implement standardized best practices to strengthen safety, quality, productivity, and customer service.
People & Culture
Provide empathetic leadership, developing and mentoring diverse cross-functional teams across multiple geographies.
Drive engagement, retention, and succession planning initiatives aligned to company strategy.
Promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing across Oatey’s global network of manufacturing and distribution sites.
Knowledge and Experience:
10+ years of progressively responsible experience managing multi-site and international operations with strong engineering exposure.
5+ years of management/supervisory experience.
Proven track record of leadership in environments with complex manufacturing processes (robotic, injection molding, chemicals, metals).
Deep knowledge of engineering best practices, manufacturing systems, Lean techniques, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.
Strong knowledge of quality systems and global regulatory compliance requirements.
Demonstrated business and financial acumen with the ability to manage complex budgets and deliver strategic results.
Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to lead diverse, cross-cultural teams and resolve conflicts with integrity.
Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred) and advanced PC skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Certified Lean and Six Sigma Black Belt (preferred).
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30%.
Education and Certification:
Four-year degree in Engineering (highly preferred) or equivalent years of relevant operational leadership experience required.
Advanced degree (MBA or MS in Engineering/Operations) strongly preferred.