Director of Operations
Rochester, NY\n
RPI, a global leader in print-on-demand solutions, is seeking a strategic and hands-on Director of Operations to lead our Rochester, NY manufacturing facility. This role is ideal for a driven leader with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and a consistent presence on the production floor.
Following a recent move to a larger, more modern facility, RPI is entering a high-growth phase. We need a leader who can stabilize operations, embed a culture of accountability, and drive performance excellence. The Operations Manager will lead day-to-day operations, coach and develop high-performing teams, and deliver results across KPIs-volume, capacity, quality, safety, and delivery.
This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, solves problems in real time, and brings energy, clarity, and empathy to every shift. Success requires the ability to lead through change, strengthen systems, and inspire at every level.
Duties \/ Responsibilities\n
Ownership & Floor Presence\n\n\"Acts with Ownership\" by demonstrating a deep connection with staff through regular, visible engagement on the plant floor-acting as a problem-solver, mentor, and motivator.\nTakes personal accountability for achieving operational goals and fostering a culture of ownership among team members.\nMeets cost objectives for the operation; achieves productivity targets, minimizes overtime, and monitors discretionary spending.\n\n
Goal-Oriented Leadership\n\nDemonstrates strong leadership skills to effectively manage teams in achieving organizational objectives.\nSets ambitious yet achievable targets for volume, capacity, quality, and delivery.\nRigorously tracks progress, adapt strategies proactively, and relentlessly pursue continuous improvement and ensure sustainability to meet and beat all performance metrics.\n\n
\n
Operational Excellence & Problem Solving\n\nSpends significant time on the operations floor addressing issues in real time, removing barriers, and helping teams improve workflows and productivity.\nUses a data-driven approach to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.\nEstablishes and drives standard work adherence.\n\n
\n
Quality & Service Level Agreements\n\nEnsures quality standards are being met to provide our customers defect-free product.\nMeets on-time delivery commitments to our customers.\n\n
\n
Staff Development & Engagement\n\nBuilds, develops, and retains a high-performing team by connecting deeply with staff, understanding their challenges, and fostering a collaborative environment that values their input and growth.\nPlans, assigns, and directs work; appraises performance; rewards and disciplines employees; addresses complaints and resolves problems.\n\n
\n
Safety & Culture\n\nLead safety initiatives with a personal commitment to creating a safe, incident-free workplace.\nPromote a positive, proactive safety culture through engagement and open communication.\n\n
\n
Strategic & Tactical Alignment\n\nDevelop and execute manufacturing strategies aligned with business goals.\nLead regular review sessions to ensure KPI targets are met, and strategies are adjusted dynamically based on operational needs.\n\n
\n
Productivity & Capacity Optimization\n\nDrive efforts to improve cycle times, reduce waste, and leverage lean principles to maximize capacity and throughput without compromising safety or quality.\nEstablish and maintain staffing plans for operations to meet business objectives.\n\n
\n
Cross-Functional Collaboration\n\nPartner closely with sales, marketing, engineering, supply chain, HR, and finance to align activities, optimize resource allocation, and meet customer expectations.\n\n
\n
Benchmark & Innovate\n\nContinuously benchmark against best practices and incorporate innovative approaches to keep the operation at the forefront of the industry.\n\n
\n
Required Skills \/ Abilities\n\nBachelor's Degree in Operations, Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA a plus.\n8+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, ideally in digital printing, book\/card finishing, or high-volume print environments.\nExperience in managing P&L responsibilities.\nProven success in leading teams through relocations, transitions, or high-growth phases.\nStrong presence on the floor with a hands-on leadership style that inspires trust and action.\nExpertise in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and KPI-driven operations.\nAbility to coach and engage frontline staff while building a leadership pipeline.\nKnowledge of OSHA regulations and best practices in workplace safety.\nExcellent communication and relationship-building skills across all levels and functions.\nComfortable with data, systems, and metrics to drive effective decision-making.\n\n
Physical Requirements\n\nAbility to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.\nAbility to bend, stoop, climb, reach, and balance during routine work.\nAbility to stand, sit, and walk throughout the entire shift.\n\n
About RPI\n
RPI Print, headquartered in Seattle, WA, with locations across the U.S. and Europe, is dedicated to helping brands succeed through personalized, on-demand print solutions. With a global network of facilities and partners, we deliver end-to-end, integrated supply chain services that bring digital printing to life at scale and on time. Sustainability is at the core of how we operate. From responsible sourcing to reducing waste across our processes, we're committed to minimizing our environmental impact while delivering high-quality, customized products. More than just print, we're committed to building lasting relationships and delivering exceptional value to our customers!
If you believe you're a good fit for this role and share our passion for excellence, we'd love to hear from you!\n