
Founded in Germany in 1881, GEA Group is a global leader in engineering solutions serving the food & beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, and related industries. With more than 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA blends a proud heritage with forward-thinking innovation.
At GEA, we’re not just building equipment — we’re building lasting careers. Our strong culture, growth opportunities, and employee support are reflected in an average tenure of 5–11+ years.
Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
Recharge and refresh – 12 paid holidays (including a floating holiday) plus 136 hours of PTO
Invest in your future – 7% 401(k) employer match
Keep learning – Tuition reimbursement to grow your education and skills
Live well – Wellness Incentive Program
Get support when you need it – Confidential Employee Assistance Program
Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts
The Director of Operations provides strategic and operational leadership across sales support, order management, customer service, forecasting, and cross-functional execution. This role ensures operational excellence, drives revenue performance, enhances customer satisfaction, and aligns operational strategy with company objectives.
The Director will lead a team of Technical Sales Engineers and Customer Service Representatives while partnering with Regional Sales Managers, Finance, and Manufacturing teams to optimize processes, profitability, and customer outcomes.
Your responsibilities:
Lead and develop a high-performing team responsible for quoting, order entry, and technical sales support for new applications and spare parts.
Develop and execute comprehensive operational strategies aligned with revenue targets and growth initiatives.
Drive monthly sales forecasting and maintain a rolling 3-month outlook.
Track order fulfillment and billing to ensure revenue commitments are achieved.
Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce cycle time, and optimize working capital.
Manage pricing strategies, ensuring alignment with factory cost changes, inflation, labor, and foreign exchange impacts.
Standardize and oversee discount structures for Distributors, Master Distributors, and OEM/Integrators.
Partner with Finance to manage Accounts Receivable, credit accounts, and working capital performance.
Ensure operational execution supports revenue growth and margin protection.
Coordinate customer requirements with factories to meet delivery expectations.
Partner with internal sales and technical teams to leverage market intelligence and customer insights.
Contribute to product roadmap discussions by translating operational and customer feedback into actionable insights.
Support Regional Sales Managers in identifying new business opportunities and expanding customer accounts.
Coach and mentor Technical Sales Engineers and customer service professionals.
Build a strong bench of future sales and operational leaders.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Lead change management initiatives within a matrix organization.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Management, or related field
7–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, technical sales, or commercial management
Experience working with technical or engineered products
Exposure to multinational, matrix organizations
Strong financial acumen, including AR and working capital management
Proven internal and external sales leadership experience
Demonstrated success leading and developing cross-functional teams
Experience driving operational efficiency and process optimization
Strong communication and presentation skills
Fluent English required
Strategic thinking with the ability to simplify complex issues
High performance under pressure in fast-paced environments
Detail-oriented with strong process discipline
Strong planning, scheduling, and delegation skills
Ability to balance commercial goals with operational execution
Change leadership and continuous improvement mindset
At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs—we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.
The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $120K - $140K. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.
The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards.
GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.
Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.
#Engineeringforthebetter
A GEA é um dos maiores fornecedores do setor de processamento de alimentos e bebidas e de uma ampla gama de outros setores de processamento. Aproximadamente os 18.000 funcionários em mais de 60 países contribuem de maneira significativa para o sucesso da GEA. Venha e junte-se a nós! Nós oferecemos tarefas interessantes e desafiadoras, um ambiente de trabalho positivo em equipes internacionais e oportunidades de desenvolvimento e crescimento pessoal numa empresa global.

Carreiras na GEA
A GEA é certificada como Empregador de excelência pelo Top Employers Institute for Europe. Temos pontuações altas em Liderança, Ética e Integridade e Sustentabilidade.

Carreiras na GEA
Somos uma empresa global de engenharia industrial e um dos maiores fornecedores de sistemas do mundo para os setores de alimentos, bebidas e farmacêutico, entre muitos outros. A GEA oferece oportunidades de carreira e treinamentos interessantes e diversificadas em todo o mundo.

Carreiras na GEA
A herança da GEA remonta a mais de 140 anos. Hoje, operamos em setores de clientes tenazes com uma força de trabalho dedicada de mais de 18.000 funcionários e fazemos negócios em mais de 150 países.