Director of Operations (51222)

Gradian is an engineering-led, full-line thermal solutions partner serving data center and other mission-critical, commercial, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Maple Grove, MN, with additional facilities across North America, we design and manufacture liquid cooling systems, air handling equipment, heat rejection units, and modular, factory-assembled thermal management solutions.

Gradian was founded through the unification of four complementary, established brands: MAS HVAC, Daedex, DeepCoolAI, and EcoChillers. Together, we act as a single-source provider, deploying cooling technologies as scalable systems optimized for efficiency, spatial constraints, and overall performance. With a vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing model, we pair rapid design turnaround with precision fabrication, so customers can move faster on complex projects where reliability, timeline, and quality all matter.

Why work here

At Gradian, you'll work alongside others who get genuinely fired up by complex problems, see your work go from first sketch to job site in weeks, not years, and know that while we're developing the technologies critical for AI infrastructure to scale, our culture remains people-first by design.

It is core to our identity that we operate as one team — driving to win together, energizing others, and building lasting relationships that make the work fun and rewarding.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly driven and experiencedOperations Director to lead thesuccessful launch of a greenfield manufacturing site while simultaneously driving thetransformation and scaling of the existing operation. This role is critical to delivering asafe, on-time startup, building a high-performing team, and executing arapid growth and capacity expansion strategy.

The ideal candidate combinesstartup expertise, operational excellence, and transformation leadership, with a strong focus onSQDCC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Cash) performance. This leader will play a pivotal role in building systems, culture, and processes to support sustainable growth and continuous improvement across both new and legacy operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Greenfield Site Startup

• Lead theend-to-end startup of a new manufacturing facility, ensuringon-time commissioning and ramp-up.
• Develop and execute detailedstartup plans, including equipment installation, validation, and operational readiness.
• Implement and establishstandard operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and performance management systems from the ground up.
• Ensure full compliance withsafety, regulatory, and quality standards prior to and during launch.

Transformation of Existing Operations

• Assess and transform apreviously privately held operation into a scalable, process-driven manufacturing environment.
• Standardize processes, improve operational discipline, and drive alignment with corporate performance expectations.
• Identify and implement improvements inefficiency, quality, cost management, and delivery performance.

SQDCC Performance Leadership

• Own and deliver performance acrossSafety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Cash metrics.
• Establish visual management systems, KPIs, and daily management routines.
• Drive azero-harm safety culture and embed quality at the source principles.
• Ensure on-time delivery through effective planning, scheduling, and execution.

Team Building & Organizational Development

• Recruit, develop, and lead ahigh-performing operations team, including supervisors, engineers, and frontline employees.
• Build organizational capability throughtraining, coaching, and leadership development.
• Foster aculture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

Capacity Ramps & Growth Execution

• Plan and executeaggressive capacity ramp-ups to meet business growth targets.
• Optimize resource allocation, production planning, and workforce scaling.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality) to enable seamless growth.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• ChampionLean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Kaizen, Six Sigma, 5S).
• Drive waste reduction, productivity gains, and process optimization.
• Implement best practices and ensure sustainability of improvements.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Required:

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience inmanufacturing or operations, with at least 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record ofgreenfield site startup or major operational launches.
• Experience transforming or integratinglegacy or privately held operations into structured environments.
• Demonstrated success infast-paced, high-growth environments.
• Strong expertise inLean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Deep knowledge ofSQDCC performance management systems.
• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and change management capabilities.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.
• Ability to manage complexity, ambiguity, and competing priorities.
• Bachelor’s degree inEngineering, Operations Management, or related field (MBA preferred).

Key Success Metrics

• On-time and successful launch of greenfield facility.
• Achievement and sustainability of SQDCC targets.
• Effective ramp-up of production capacity to meet growth plans.
• Measurable improvements in operational efficiency and cost performance.
• Development of a high-performing, engaged operations team.

Benefits:

• Medical, vision, and dental plans
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Group term life insurance coverage
• HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care plans available
• 8 paid holidays, 4 floating holidays, and generous PTO policy
• 401k matching
• Company paid events
• Annual safety shoe allowance
• Education assistance program

EEO Statement:

Gradian Thermal Solutions is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other legally protected status.

Employment decisions at Gradian are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and actively promote a culture of fairness, equity, and opportunity.

We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable laws.