This OpportunityThe Operations Manager leads day-to-day operations at the Sparta facility, from order intake through fabrication, quality, and shipment. This leader owns safety, on-time delivery, quality, cost, and inventory performance. The role builds a skilled, engaged team and partners with sales, engineering, and customer service to meet custom and replacement-media commitments.
This description outlines key responsibilities and qualifications, it may not encompass all aspects of the role.
Key Responsibilities:- Directs all daily operations of the Sparta facility, including production, quality, inventory, shipping, receiving, and facility maintenance.
- Promotes a strong safety culture and ensures compliance with OSHA and company safety policies; leads safety meetings, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
- Plans and schedules production of filter cloths and belts to meet customer delivery dates and quoted lead times.
- Reviews customer orders, specifications, and drawings to ensure fabrication requirements are accurate before production begins.
- Monitors and reports key performance indicators such as on-time delivery, productivity, scrap, and rework; develops plans to improve results.
- Establishes and maintains quality standards, inspection procedures, and work instructions; leads root-cause analysis and corrective action for quality issues and customer complaints.
- Manages raw material and finished goods inventory to support customer demand while controlling costs.
- Works with Purchasing to ensure material availability and supplier performance.
- Ensures accurate job, inventory, and labor transactions in Microsoft Dynamics 365.
- Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates operations staff; provides coaching, development, and cross-training to build team capability.
- Partners with Human Resources on performance management, employee relations, and engagement initiatives.
- Develops and manages the operating budget, staffing plan, and capital expenditure requests.
- Leads continuous improvement and lean initiatives to improve workflow, efficiency, and material utilization.
- Collaborates with Sales, Customer Service, and Engineering on quotes, lead times, and customer requirements.
- Oversees equipment maintenance, facility upkeep, and vendor service contracts.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Desired Skills and Experience:- Bachelor's degree in Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 7+ years of manufacturing or fabrication experience, including 3+ years supervising production teams
- Hands-on experience with custom, made-to-order, or job-shop production
- Working knowledge of OSHA requirements and a track record of improving safety performance
- Experience with an ERP system (Microsoft Dynamics 365 preferred) and strong Excel skills
- Ability to read drawings and specifications and translate them into fabrication requirements
- Clear communicator who can lead a shop-floor team and work credibly with sales, engineering, and customers
Preferred Experience:- Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) experience
- Industry experience with filter fabrics, technical textiles, industrial belting, or filtration and wastewater equipment
- Experience with sewing, ultrasonic or heat welding, and cutting equipment for fabrics
- Lean manufacturing or continuous-improvement experience; Six Sigma Green Belt a plus
- Experience managing a small site or business unit with P&L or budget accountability
Other: Physical Requirements and Supervisory Duties:- Primary work location is Sparta, NJ
- Ability to sit, stand, stoop, working primarily in an office environment and traversing shop floor with machinery noise and moving material.
- Regularly stands, walks, bends, and reaches; lifts up to 50 lbs, with assistance or equipment for heavier rolls and belts
- This position will be responsible for developing direct reports
