Director of Operations/P&L Leader

Role Summary

PPT Group is a global leader in test and measurement instrumentation, data loggers, and software for physical property testing and analysis. The company offers its products under four global brands, has factories and service centers in the US, UK, Germany, and China, and approximately $100M in topline revenue.

The company is seeking a leader for its Lansmont business located in the Monterey peninsula in California, US. The Lansmont division is one of three strategic BU’s, has 60 employees, and is a key part of an SK Capital Partners platform.

The company is seeking a driven business leader with strong operational and lean experience to improve execution and overall financial performance of the Lansmont business. The Lansmont brand is the leader in its category and its products command a premium price in the market. Future organic growth is dependent on improving customer satisfaction with faster lead times, improving global aftermarket service coverage and modernizing its supply chain. M&A is another growth lever as the company is part of a “buy and build” platform chartered with tripling in size the next four years. The Director of Operations will report into the CEO and be a member of the platform management team and will own operational responsibility for the Monterey business.

The successful candidate will have responsibility for all functions including finance, operations, field service, compliance, engineering and R&D, and customer service. The successful candidate will maximize business performance collaborating with colleagues across the platform.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for global P&L. Deliver financial results in line with or exceeding business expectations.

Direct all plant operations

Ensure Monterey site is a safe and productive work environment

Responsible for driving cost savings in line with business objectives

Drive customer satisfaction and profitable revenue growth by improving backlog execution and lead-time and on-time delivery metrics

Manage the successful execution of major capital projects guiding cross-functional groups as appropriate

Lead R&D team to efficiently execute a roadmap of projects with sound business justification

Coach and top-grade talent as needed

Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in driving transformational change in a growth-oriented environment. The successful individual will be a visible leader who is able to communicate a clear vision, inspire the employee base and make decisions with limited information in a fast-paced environment.

Required Qualifications

At least 15 years of experience managing a plant and directing electromechanical manufacturing activities with a minimum of 7 years in a senior management position.

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical engineering or a related scientific discipline

Experience in Operational Excellence tools such as Lean, Six Sigma, Strategic Sourcing, S&OP, etc. is required

Prior P&L responsibility within a large industrial company, an investor-backed business and/or a family-owned business. Scope of responsibility of at least plant-level P&L with ownership of R&D and/or customer service functions

Prior ownership of commercial functions a plus

Strong track record in operations roles, in continuous improvement methodologies and systems that support a strong operational execution capability

Decisive, entrepreneurial and comfortable operating with lean corporate infrastructure

Proven track record partnering with and influencing the most senior levels of leadership. Experience presenting at the Board or senior executive level

Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously

Strong and demonstrated leadership skills

Personal Attributes

Hands-on leadership approach.

Low-ego and collaborative.

Courage, ability to stand your ground while managing relationship capital.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to convey a message that is clear and concise, linking business issues, financial results and strategy.

Brings a high sense of urgency balanced with crisp clarity of thought.

Energized by working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment where high performance is expected.

About SK Capital

SK Capital is a private investment firm with a disciplined focus on the specialty materials, ingredients, and life sciences sectors. The Firm seeks to build resilient, sustainable, and growing businesses that create substantial long-term value. SK Capital aims to utilize its industry, operating, and investment experience to identify opportunities to transform businesses into higher performing organizations with improved strategic positioning, growth, and profitability, as well as lower operating risk. SK Capital’s portfolio of businesses generates revenues of approximately $12 billion annually, employs more than 25,000 people globally, and operates more than 200 plants in over 30 countries. The Firm currently has approximately $9.7 billion in assets under management.

For more information on SK Capital, please visit