Director of Operations
ASSA ABLOY · Salem, VA
- Level
- Director+
- Team
- Production
- Base pay
- $155k–$180k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 15+ years
- Certification
- Black Belt preferred
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 3 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A director-level production role at ASSA ABLOY (industrial) in Salem, VA. The Director of Operations & Operational Excellence is responsible for the strategy, performance, and continuous improvement of Medeco's operations.
- They ask for
- 15+ years · degree required · Black Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, Automation
- Base pay
- $155k–$180k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Production Engineer roles in Virginia: typical posted base $114k–$160k. This one lists $155k–$180k.
Median of the low and high ends of 7 live postings that list pay, out of 25 production engineer openings in Virginia, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Virginia plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 24 other live production postings in Virginia.
- Base pay
- About 22% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- More than usual (15+ vs 7+)
Typical $114k–$160k, from 6 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 7+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Team leadership 52%
- New product launch 32%
- ✓ Lean 28%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Black Belt, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at ASSA ABLOY
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from ASSA ABLOYAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Key Responsibilities
Strategic and Operational Leadership Develop and execute an operations strategy that supports business growth, profitability, execution consistency, and customer commitments. Lead manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, responsiveness, productivity, inventory, and financial objectives. Drive transformation through automation, process innovation, and continuous improvement to strengthen customer experience and competitiveness. Partner with the Leadership Team to establish priorities, allocate resources, and build organizational capability. Continuous Improvement & Transformation Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven decision making. Establish KPI-driven management systems and accountability. Ensure consistent delivery of customer commitments for quality, responsiveness, and on-time performance. Leverage best practices, technology, and analytics to strengthen competitiveness. Leadership, Culture & Compliance Build, develop, and retain a high-performing operations organization. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, engagement, safety, and quality. Develop future leaders through succession planning and talent development. Ensure compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and company policies.
Qualifications
Required Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field. 15+ years of progressive manufacturing experience with significant operational leadership responsibility. Proven success leading complex manufacturing operations and delivering measurable business results. Strong experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational transformation. Strong financial acumen, communication skills, and leadership capability. Preferred MBA or advanced business or technical degree. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Experience in precision manufacturing, security products, engineered products, aerospace, defense, or electromechanical industries. Experience implementing automation, advanced manufacturing technologies, and Industry 4.0 initiatives. The annualized salary for this role is $155,000 - $180,000 (20%-30% bonus potential). The final pay offered to the successful candidate will depend on experience, skill level, and other
requirements
401(k) plan with employer contributions and matching subject to plan eligibility
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Business Unit: Medeco Security Locks Location: Salem, VA (on-site) Department: Operations EEO Job Status: Full-time Salaried Exempt Reports To: General Manager, Medeco Pay Range: $155,000 - $180,000 (20%-30% bonus potential) Overview: Lead the transformation of one of the security industry's most respected brands. Medeco designs and manufactures high-security mechanical and electronic locking solutions that protect critical assets through products known for quality, precision, and innovation. Position Summary: Medeco is seeking a transformational operations leader to drive performance today while building the manufacturing organization of tomorrow. As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Operations & Operational Excellence is responsible for the strategy, performance, and continuous improvement of Medeco's operations. This role combines operational accountability with a mandate to accelerate growth through automation, operational excellence, technology adoption, and talent development.