OPERATIONS MANAGERAbout the Role:The Operations Manager provides hands-on leadership and strategic direction to drive safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing operations. Partnering closely with plant leadership and cross-functional teams, this role oversees production performance, operational readiness, team development, and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve plant goals.
The ideal candidate is a visible, people-focused leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, uses data to drive decisions, and builds a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and operational excellence. Through coaching, process optimization, and effective resource management, the Operations Manager helps ensure the team has the tools, training, and support needed to succeed.
What You Will Do: Operational Leadership & Production Performance- Oversee daily manufacturing and assembly operations to achieve production, sequencing, delivery, quality, and efficiency targets.
- Lead operational launch activities, production readiness, and manufacturing area layout and workflow planning.
- Partner with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to align priorities, resolve operational challenges, and meet business objectives.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and First Time Through Quality (FTTQ), and implement corrective actions to address performance gaps.
- Drive line balancing, resource optimization, and process improvements to increase productivity and operational efficiency.
- Manage labor utilization, overtime, time and attendance, and operational budgets.
- Support plant projects and pursue opportunities to improve operational performance and business results.
People Leadership & Development- Lead, coach, and develop Shift Managers and manufacturing team members, promoting accountability, engagement, and professional growth.
- Maintain a visible presence on the production floor, leading by example and providing hands-on guidance and support.
- Ensure team members have the resources, tools, and training necessary to perform their jobs safely and effectively.
- Oversee on-the-job training, development plans, and performance reviews while identifying skill gaps and recommending development opportunities.
- Build strong working relationships across departments and foster a culture of collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement.
- Support team member engagement and retention through effective communication, recognition, and development opportunities.
- Communicate company announcements, policy changes, operational priorities, and other pertinent information to ensure alignment across teams.
Safety, Quality & Compliance- Champion a proactive safety culture by reinforcing safe work practices, promoting personal accountability, and ensuring compliance with applicable safety requirements.
- Participate in incident investigations and ensure incidents and injuries are properly reported, documented, and addressed.
- Identify operational risks and implement preventive measures through training, communication, and process controls.
- Ensure adherence to company policies, quality standards, operational procedures, and applicable local, state, federal, and other regulatory requirements.
- Support audits, compliance assessments, and corrective action plans to address gaps, prevent recurrence, and maintain effective operating systems.
- Maintain accurate operational records, documentation, and required reports, including applicable government reporting.
- Participate in unemployment or labor-related hearings, as needed.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence- Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including Kata, CAS, and daily 5S activities.
- Use data-driven problem-solving methods, such as PDCA, Pareto analysis, 8D, and 5 Why, to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
- Drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, cost, and workflow through structured problem-solving and performance monitoring.
- Ensure compliance with process audits and system requirements while identifying opportunities to improve standardization and operational effectiveness.
- Promote employee involvement in improvement initiatives and reinforce a culture of accountability, learning, and operational excellence.
What You Need To Be Successful:- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate teams, make sound decisions, and drive accountability.
- Demonstrated coaching, mentoring, and team development capabilities.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
- Ability to build positive relationships, influence stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and negotiate effective solutions.
- A collaborative, hands-on leadership approach with a commitment to employee engagement and continuous improvement.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production processes, and performance management.
- Experience using data and structured problem-solving methods to identify issues, prioritize opportunities, and drive measurable results.
- Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects in a dynamic production environment.
- Experience monitoring KPIs, managing budgets, and implementing corrective actions to achieve operational goals.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Windows-based applications, with the ability to learn and use manufacturing technology systems.
Bonus Points If You Have:- Prior management or supervisory experience
Education:Travel:What We Offer:We believe our team members are our greatest investment, which is why we offer a competitive total rewards package designed to support you at every stage of your career and life. Our benefits may include comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings programs with employer contributions, tuition reimbursement, paid time off and holidays, employee assistance resources, and additional wellness programs and benefits designed to support your health, financial well-being, professional growth, and overall quality of life.
