DescriptionThe Operations Manager is responsible for the overall production process at the plant. This role manages several supervisors or leads under the overall direction of the Plant Manager and is accountable for driving operational performance across safety, quality, efficiency, cost, and customer expectations. The role's key challenge is to maintain production within specific guidelines for production efficiency, labor cost, materials usage, waste amounts, quality, and safety.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Production
- Plan, direct, and coordinate manufacturing operations to meet production targets, quality standards, and customer needs.
- Establish and maintain production conditions that ensure efficiency, consistency, and compliance with specifications.
- Organize workflow and allocate resources to maximize productivity, reduce waste, and control costs.
- Analyze materials and processes, including optimization of virgin and regrind resin usage.
- Ensure all production activities align with customer expectations and deliver consistent value.
People
- Lead, develop, and support supervisors and team members, fostering a culture grounded in respect, accountability, and teamwork.
- Build trust through clear communication, active listening, and consistent follow-through on commitments.
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and positive work environment where every employee is treated with respect.
- Hire, train, and develop talent to ensure strong team capability and engagement.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, and enhance quality and efficiency.
- Challenge the status quo by encouraging new ideas, innovation, and learning from experience.
- Lead and support change initiatives, ensuring team alignment and commitment.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Technical knowledge of manufacturing, including Thermoforming and Extrusion; experience with CPET, PET, or PP preferred.
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of building trust, developing people, and driving accountability.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels.
- Results-driven mindset with urgency, resilience, and ownership of outcomes.
- Strong planning, organization, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to safety, quality, respect, and continuous improvement.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
