If you are a MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS professional looking for an opportunity to grow, Copeland has an opening for you!  Based at our Natchitoches, LA location, you will be responsible for leading and directing all manufacturing operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality compressor products. This position provides leadership for production, safety, quality, maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives while driving operational excellence and a culture of accountability, teamwork, and employee engagement. The Operations Manager works closely with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives, improve plant performance, and support the long-term growth of the organization.

AS AN OPERATIONS MANAGER, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:

Safety Leadership

• Promoting and maintaining a strong safety culture where safety is the highest priority.

• Ensuring compliance with all OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and company safety policies.

• Leading safety initiatives, audits, risk assessments, and corrective action plans.

• Driving continuous improvement in workplace safety performance and employee participation.

Manufacturing Operations

• Directing daily manufacturing operations to achieve production schedules, customer requirements, and business objectives.

• Monitoring and improving key performance indicators (KPIs) including safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, and employee engagement.

• Ensuring efficient utilization of labor, equipment, materials, and facilities.

• Identifying and eliminating operational bottlenecks impacting throughput and performance.

Quality and Customer Satisfaction

• Partnering with Quality teams to ensure products meet customer specifications and company standards.

• Leading problem-solving activities related to quality concerns and customer issues.

• Driving root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions.

• Promoting a culture of quality ownership throughout the organization.

Leadership and Employee Development

• Leading, coaching, and developing supervisors, managers, and manufacturing teams.

• Fostering a culture of accountability, ownership, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Conducting regular performance discussions, coaching sessions, and talent development activities.

• Supporting succession planning and workforce development initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

• Championing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives.

• Leading cost-reduction, waste elimination, productivity, and process improvement projects.

• Utilizing data analytics and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Supporting implementation of new technologies, automation, and best practices.

Financial Performance

• Managing departmental budgets and control operating expenses.

• Driving productivity improvements while maintaining quality and safety standards.

• Supporting annual business planning and strategic operational initiatives.

• Ensuring achievement of financial and operational performance goals.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborating with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Human Resources, and Finance teams.

• Supporting new product introductions, capital projects, and strategic growth initiatives.

• Communicating operational results, challenges, and opportunities to senior leadership.

SCHEDULE:

This role is based fully onsite, and not eligible for hybrid or remote work opportunities. Typical hours are Monday - Friday, 8a - 5p.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, Operations Management, or related field. Equivalent experience in manufacturing operations may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive manufacturing experience.

• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing supervisors and production teams.

• Demonstrated success leading operations within a high-volume manufacturing environment.

• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and problem-solving methodologies.

• Proven experience managing safety, quality, production, and cost performance metrics.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:

• Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) or related field.

• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

• Experience in automotive, HVAC, compressor, or industrial manufacturing environments.

• Knowledge of automated manufacturing systems and Industry 4.0 technologies.

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