Position Summary:
The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing daily operational activities while driving efficiency, quality, safety, and employee performance. This position combines hands-on operational leadership with process engineering and continuous improvement responsibilities. The Operations Manager will lead teams involved in testing, chip harvesting, material handling, and related production activities while identifying opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, increase throughput, and maintain consistent quality standards. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can effectively manage people while also analyzing processes, developing solutions, implementing improvements, and creating clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
Process Engineering & Improvement
- Analyze existing operational processes to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, quality, safety, and throughput.
- Lead and participate in process improvement projects from identification through implementation.
- Develop, test, and implement improved processes, workflows, tools, and procedures.
- Use operational data and performance metrics to identify root causes of recurring issues.
- Apply structured problem-solving and continuous-improvement methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce errors, and improve productivity.
- Work cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Inventory, and other departments to implement process improvements.
- Monitor results following process changes to ensure improvements are sustained.
- Identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and improved material flow where appropriate.
SOP Development & Documentation
- Create, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation.
- Translate complex operational processes into clear, concise, and easy-to-follow instructions.
- Ensure SOPs accurately reflect current processes and operational requirements.
- Partner with employees and subject-matter experts to identify gaps in existing procedures.
- Train employees in new and revised SOPs and verify understanding and compliance.
- Maintain appropriate documentation and revision control for operational procedures.
Testing & Chip Harvesting
- Oversee and support operational activities related to testing and chip harvesting.
- Ensure testing and harvesting processes are performed consistently and according to established procedures.
- Monitor process performance, quality, yield, and throughput.
- Identify and address process issues that may affect testing accuracy, chip recovery, product quality, or productivity.
- Work with technical and engineering personnel to troubleshoot process issues and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure proper handling, identification, tracking, and disposition of materials throughout the process.
- Support development and improvement of testing and harvesting procedures, tools, and workflows.
- Maintain a strong focus on product integrity, quality, safety, and process consistency.
- Investigate process deviations, quality issues, and operational incidents and assist with corrective and preventive actions.
Performance Management & Reporting
- Track key operational metrics, including productivity, throughput, quality, yield, rework, downtime, and other applicable KPIs.
- Analyze performance data and communicate trends, issues, and improvement opportunities to management.
- Establish and communicate daily performance expectations.
- Provide regular updates regarding staffing, production performance, process issues, and improvement projects.
- Develop action plans to address performance gaps and follow through to completion.
Operations & People Leadership
- Supervise, coach, and develop employees to achieve daily operational, quality, safety, and productivity goals.
- Plan and coordinate daily staffing, workflow, assignments, and priorities.
- Monitor employee performance and provide timely coaching, feedback, and recognition.
- Promote accountability, teamwork, communication, and a continuous-improvement culture.
- Ensure employees are properly trained and follow established processes, safety requirements, and SOPs.
- Address employee performance and operational issues in a timely and professional manner.
- Lead daily meetings, shift handoffs, and operational communications as needed.
- Partner with management and other departments to resolve operational issues and maintain workflow.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, warehouse, electronics, semiconductor, technology recycling, or a related environment.
- Prior management experience required.
- Experience with process improvement, process engineering, or operational optimization preferred.
- Experience developing SOPs, work instructions, or other process documentation.
- Experience with NAND, semiconductor components, electronics testing, chip harvesting, or related processes strongly preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interpret operational data and identify trends and root causes.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively lead employees with varying levels of technical experience.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, and operational reporting systems.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to work in a warehouse, production, or technical processing environment.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
- Ability to occasionally lift and move materials or equipment consistent with company requirements.
- Ability to work around electronic components, testing equipment, tools, and production/processing equipment.
- Ability to work varying shifts or overtime as operational requirements dictate.
