Operations Manager Machine Shop

Hydraulics International, Inc.

$145K — $160K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience
  • Minimum 10 years in precision machining manufacturing
  • At least 5 years in leadership roles managing large operations
  • Experience with high-volume CNC and conventional machining
  • Strong understanding of machining processes and ERP/MRP systems
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Direct daily operations of a machine shop with 100+ CNC and conventional machines
  • Lead and develop a diverse team of supervisors, machinists, and support personnel
  • Ensure production schedules align with quality, cost, and delivery objectives
  • Monitor shop performance metrics including productivity and machine utilization
  • Collaborate with various departments to resolve production issues and streamline workflow
  • Drive initiatives in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement
  • Allocate resources effectively to meet customer commitments

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
Full Job Description
Position Summary

Hydraulics International, Inc. (HII) is seeking an experienced Machine Shop Manager to lead a high-volume precision machining operation consisting of more than 100 CNC and conventional machines. This role is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing operations, production performance, workforce leadership, quality, safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence while ensuring on-time delivery and maximum equipment utilization.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with extensive machining experience who thrives in a fast-paced aerospace and defense environment and has a proven ability to lead large teams, drive operational improvements, and achieve production goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Direct the daily operations of a machine shop with over 100 CNC and conventional machines.
  • Lead and develop supervisors, lead machinists, CNC programmers, setup technicians, machinists, and support personnel.
  • Ensure production schedules are met while achieving quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
  • Monitor machine utilization, labor efficiency, productivity, and overall shop performance.
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Production Planning, Quality, Maintenance, Purchasing, and Assembly to resolve production issues and eliminate bottlenecks.
  • Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve workflow.
  • Establish production priorities and allocate resources to meet customer commitments.
  • Ensure compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements.
  • Support preventive maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability and machine uptime.
  • Monitor tooling requirements, machine performance, and equipment effectiveness.
  • Manage departmental budgets, labor costs, overtime, and operating expenses.
  • Analyze production metrics and implement corrective actions to improve operational performance.
  • Coach, mentor, and develop employees through ongoing training and performance management.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and all company safety policies.
  • Support capital equipment planning and future manufacturing growth initiatives.

Qualifications

Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in a precision machining manufacturing environment.
  • Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing large machine shop operations.
  • Demonstrated experience managing high-volume machining operations; experience overseeing 100 or more CNC and conventional machines is strongly preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of CNC machining processes, tooling, fixtures, production planning, and manufacturing operations.
  • Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
  • Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred
  • Aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.
  • Working knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems.
  • Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
  • APICS CPIM, Lean, or Six Sigma certification is a plus.

Core Competencies
  • Leadership & Team Development
  • Production Planning & Scheduling
  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Capacity Planning
  • Cost Control & Budget Management
  • Quality Management
  • Safety Leadership
  • Performance Management
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Excellent Communication & Collaboration Skills

Work Environment

This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments and requires regular presence on the production floor. The incumbent must be be able to safely work around manufacturing equipment and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Occasional travel between company facilities may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary:
$145K-160K annually

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Hydraulics International, Inc.

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Operations Manager Machine Shop jobs: