Director Operations I

Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities. ​

Key Accountabilities:

1. Digital Transformation Leadership

• Define and execute a 3–5 year Manufacturing Digital Transformation roadmap, including Industry 4.0 initiatives, smart factory technologies, automation and AI-driven process optimization. Drive integration of advanced analytics and digital tools into core operations to enable data-driven decision-making.
• Drive integration of advanced analytics and digital tools into core operations to enable data-driven decision-making.
• Champion the adoption of Industry 4.0 principles to enhance operational efficiency, quality, and predictive maintenance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of digital initiatives with business strategy and customer requirements.
• Monitor progress and measure impact of digital transformation projects on SQDC performance metrics

2. People Development & AI Capability Building

• Design and implement structured people development programs to build digital skills and AI literacy across all levels of the operations team.
• Develop a robust talent pipeline for future-ready roles by integrating AI, data analytics, and Industry 4.0 competencies into training and career development plans.
• Mentor and upskill leadership and workforce on data-driven decision-making and continuous learning in digital technologies.
• Foster a culture of innovation, adaptability, and continuous learning in digital technologies.

3. Strategic Operations Planning

• Integrate digital transformation goals into the long-term operational strategy, aligning with business growth and global competitiveness.
• Secure and manage required resources (CAPEX, OPEX, and talent) to enable successful execution of strategic plans.
• Deploy and Cascade Donaldson EHS and Sustainability Policy, deploy EHS framework along with global EHS leadership team. Instill EHS culture to entire operations team, continues reduce and eliminate the hazards and risks where applicable and maintain a safe work environment and compliance with all appropriate regulations.
• Develop and execute the operational strategy, policies, and procedures to ensure alignment with the company's long-term business goals, particularly in the high-volume, high-precision HDD industry.
• Continuously assess market trends, customer requirements, and technological advancements to adapt and refine operational strategies.

4. Operational Excellence with Technology

• Leverage digital tools, automation, and AI-driven solutions to continuously improve SQDC performance metrics.
• Implement continuous improvement projects using digital tools and predictive analytics.
• Drive process standardization and automation projects to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.

Key Qualifications & Requirements:

Education Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Electrical, Mechanical) or Business/Operations Management.
• Minimal 10+ years in senior Operations / Manufacturing leadership and operations leadership experience, with 5+ years at the Director level or above.

Technical Competence & Skills:

• Strong expertise in manufacturing operations, supply chain, and engineering leadership.
• Proven experience in digital transformation, including smart factory technologies, IoT, automation, and AI-driven process optimization.
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 principles, predictive analytics, and advanced manufacturing systems.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong financial acumen for CAPEX/OPEX planning and ROI analysis of technology investments.

Leadership Competence:

• Ability to lead large-scale transformation projects and manage change effectively.
• Strong people development skills, with experience in building digital and AI capability frameworks.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills to align cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution capability.
• Delegation & Motivating others.

Relevant Experience:

• Experience in high-volume, high-precision industries such as Disk Drive, Microelectronics manufacturing.
• Minimum of 10 years manufacturing industrial operations leadership roles, with at least 5 years at Director level.
• Demonstrated success in implementing automation and digital initiatives in complex manufacturing environments.

Others:

• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Fluent in English and Thai language proficiency is an advantage.

Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States.

Donaldson Company has been made aware that there are several recruiting scams that are targeting job seekers.  These scams have attempted to solicit money for job applications and/or collect confidential information, Donaldson will never solicit money during the application or recruiting process.  Donaldson only accepts online applications through our Careers | Donaldson Company, Inc. website and any communication from a Donaldson recruiter would be sent using a donaldson.com email address.  If you have any questions about the legitimacy of an employment opportunity, please reach out to [email protected] to verify that the communication is from Donaldson.

Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.