Summary The Operations Manager is responsible for leading day-to-day manufacturing operations within a ballistic and hard armor production facility. This role is accountable for effective Operating Model deployment, finished goods quality, and on-time delivery. The Operations Manager partners with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and EHS to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations while driving continuous improvement and team accountability.
Key Responsibilities- Lead daily production execution across assigned lines, cells, or value streams.
- Own performance to the production plan, including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity targets.
- Provide direct leadership, coaching, and development to Production Supervisors.
- Ensure consistent deployment of the Operating Model, including standard work, visual management, tiered daily meetings, and structured problem-solving.
- Partner with Quality to investigate non-conformances and drive root cause corrective actions.
- Maintain compliance with applicable customer requirements, industry standards (e.g., NIJ or equivalent), and internal quality systems.
- Promote and sustain a strong safety culture through visible leadership, audits, and corrective actions.
- Ensure on-time delivery through effective scheduling, labor planning, and capacity management.
- Identify and manage constraints, bottlenecks, and material availability risks.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain and Engineering to resolve shortages, changes, and production disruptions.
- Use metrics and data to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead Kaizen events and improvement projects focused on throughput, quality, labor efficiency, and waste reduction.
- Set performance expectations and hold team accountable for results.
- Partner with HR on hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee relations.
- Foster collaboration, accountability, and clear communication across production teams and functional partners.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, including direct leadership of supervisors.
- Demonstrated experience improving on-time delivery and finished goods quality.
- Strong working knowledge of Operating Model / Lean manufacturing principles.
- Proven problem-solving and decision-making skills in a production environment.
- Experience in ballistic armor, , composites, defense, aerospace, or similarly regulated manufacturing preferred.
- Experience working in environments with strict quality, traceability, and customer compliance requirements.
Key Competencies- Results-driven and execution-focused
- Strong people leadership and coaching skills
- Clear, direct communicator
- Comfort operating in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
- Continuous improvement mindset
Physical & Work Environment- Regular presence on the manufacturing floor.
- Ability to work around industrial equipment, materials, and PPE requirements.
- Occasional extended hours or off-shift support based on production needs.
Eligible employees are offered:- Medical, dental & vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Employer paid life insurance and AD&D
- Employer paid disability
- Wellness program
- Adoption assistance
- Tuition assistance
- Employee assistance program
- Work life balance
- Paid time off (PTO), sick leave and paid holidays throughout the calendar year (consistent with relevant state law and company policies)
