JOB SUMMARY: The Operations Manager will oversee all daily operations of the plant, ensuring production goals are met safely, efficiently, and within quality standards. This individual will be responsible for leading a team across production, maintenance, scheduling, and logistics, and will play a key role in driving continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequency of duties, percent of time and work year may vary based on department or building assignment.
- Lead and manage all aspects of daily plant operations including production, planning, maintenance and materials.
- Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and cost through lean manufacturing principles.
- Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), making data-driven decisions to improve operational efficiency.
- Oversee staffing, training, and development of production personnel to build a high-performing team.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, quality, and supply chain departments to meet production and delivery targets.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 14001).
- Manage capital improvement projects and equipment upgrades as needed.
- Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions related to downtime, scrap, and production bottlenecks.
- Maintain effective communication with internal stakeholders and external customers as needed.
Requirements
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field (required).
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in operations or plant management in a plastic injection molding or automotive manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of injection molding processes, tooling, robotics, and automation.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and implementing lean manufacturing and Six Sigma practices.
- Proficient in ERP systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and production planning tools.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment.
- Lean Six Sigma certification preferred
- Experience with IATF 16949 and PPAP processes preferred
- Hands-on knowledge of mold setup, changeovers, and troubleshooting preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS : The physical demands, work environment factors and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
- Able to stand, stoop, twist, climb and repetitively perform tasks for long periods of time (8 to 12 hours).
- Able to bend the body forward and downward while bending at the spine at the waist 45 degrees or more; bending below the waist or down toward an object on or near the ground.
- Able to work around hot molds, presses, cranes, and industrial equipment and work in tight spaces.
- Able to use hands and fingers to seize, hold, grasp objects.
- Ability to extend arms with the hands higher than the head; reaching at or below shoulder level.
- Ascend or descend ramps and/or stairs using feet and legs.
- Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds (machinery alarms, medical codes, or warnings).
- Work frequently in close proximity to machinery; noise levels are moderate.
- Close vision (distance of 20 inches or less) and ability to identify/distinguish colors.
- Hands-on role 60-80% of the time, with mixture of desk and computer duties.
- Temperature in facility can vary up to 90 degrees. Candidates must be able to perform duties in hot and cold environments..
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% to 100% of the time.
- Able to ascend/descend forklift and standing lift, trailers, steps, ladders etc.
- No aversion to heights
