Ford Steel

Director of Operations

Houston, TX

Full-time

About This Job

Together, We Build a Strong Future

North Shore Steel and Ford Steel are a group of industry-leading metals service centers with a 65+ year legacy of producing precision-first, customer-focused steel solutions. We serve critical industries ranging from infrastructure and construction to energy and transportation, with a deep commitment to safety, service, and continuous growth.

At North Shore and Ford Steel, we believe operational excellence is the backbone of customer success and team pride. We are seeking a Director of Operations who thrives on structure, clarity, and momentum, someone who can lead teams, enhance processes, and drive results across both steel processing and distribution operations.

This is a multi-site leadership role with high visibility to executive leadership and the opportunity to shape the operational culture of two of Houston’s most respected steel brands.

Why This Role is Compelling

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Director of Operations is a Senior Leadership position, reporting directly to the General Manager of two divisions.

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You'll lead a diverse, skilled, and hardworking team across two sites, with direct influence over how steel is processed, shipped, and delivered.

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You’ll be empowered to streamline operations, eliminate waste, and invest in people, not just manage KPIs, but make a lasting mark.

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You'll work side-by-side with senior leaders who believe in hands-on servant leadership, continuous improvement, and building talent from within.

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You’ll have the opportunity to drive excellence across a platform of companies that are growing and evolving, with you at the helm of operations.

Key Responsibilities

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Serve as the operational leader for steel processing and distribution at North Shore in Houston, Texas, and Ford Steel in St Louis, Missouri

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Build and execute strategic operational plans to optimize throughput, labor efficiency, and service levels

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Lead and develop high-performing teams in production, logistics, and maintenance, foster accountability and trust

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Establish clear goals and develop team leaders through structured coaching, feedback, and role clarity

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Champion continuous improvement, implement Lean, 5S, and process discipline across operations

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Drive improvements in output, cycle time, scrap, downtime, and inventory flow

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Partner with maintenance to ensure equipment uptime and asset performance

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Collaborate cross-functionally with quality, safety, supply chain, and commercial teams to resolve challenges and align on priorities

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Act as a cultural steward for safety, integrity, and performance, leading by example in every decision

What You Bring

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5+ years in a leadership role within steel, metals, or CNC-driven manufacturing operations

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Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, shop floor management, and distribution logistics

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Hands-on experience with rolling, forming, plate burning, or structural steel processing is a strong plus

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Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Six Sigma (certifications preferred but not required)

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Skilled at using ERP systems and Excel to make decisions and track progress

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Bachelor’s degree preferred in operations, engineering, or business

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Excellent people leadership skills, motivator, coach, and clear communicator

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High emotional intelligence, strong personal integrity, and the ability to manage conflict constructively

What Success Looks Like

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Teams are aligned, accountable, and engaged

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Production output is high-quality, on-time, and cost-effective

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Operations are stable, structured, and continuously improving

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Leadership is felt on the floor and respected across the business

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Safety, quality, and service are not just targets; they’re embedded habits

Our Core Values

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Be Safe Always

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Do the Right Thing

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Provide Great Service

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Take the Initiative

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Be an Endless Learner

Who Thrives Here?

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

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Take pride in leading from the front, you’re present, hands-on, and believe in servant leadership

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Have a passion for people development and know how to bring clarity and momentum to a team

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Are energized by bringing order to complexity and aligning execution with purpose

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See production metrics as a reflection of team health, not just numbers to chase

Director of Operations

About This Job

Key Responsibilities

What You Bring

What Success Looks Like

Our Core Values

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