About the JobPosition Summary:Reporting to the
Operations Manager / Manufacturing Manager, this position is responsible for leading a complete operational process to ensure the optimum utilization of
manpower, materials, and equipment according to schedule.
The role is accountable for ensuring that quality products are manufactured
safely, efficiently, on time, and at minimum cost, while meeting approved business plans and operational objectives.
Key Responsibilities:Safety & Culture:- Create, implement, and drive key safety initiatives through our talented associates, ensuring sufficient resources are available to build an accident-free culture.
- Ensure safety commitment and engagement from every associate, while fostering an atmosphere of open, honest dialogue and feedback.
- Maintain a strong Safety First culture across all manufacturing activities.
- Coordinate and lead 6S activities, promoting the discipline required to sustain 6S standards every day.
- Promote a culture of teamwork, ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Manufacturing & Operational Excellence:- Ensure orders are manufactured on time and to specification, exceeding customer quality expectations without compromising approved processes or design requirements.
- Own and drive key operational KPIs, including:
- Safety.
- Production quantity.
- Customer service.
- Defect levels.
- Waste.
- Work-order attainment.
- Productivity and quality.
- Ensure resources are available and fully utilized, with a strong focus on the continuous development of hourly associates.
- Execute the financial plans associated with the operational team.
- Maintain a visible and vocal presence as the shop-floor leader.
- Utilize data-driven decision-making to identify and implement improvements throughout the facility.
Leadership & Associate Development:- Create an environment where teams take ownership of their daily processes and results.
- Select, mentor, and coach cell coordinators, star points, and direct and indirect associates who support the manufacturing effort.
- Ensure cell coordinators demonstrate the appropriate skills, leadership styles, and behaviors.
- Motivate, develop, recognize, and hold operational resources accountable for performance.
- Develop associates' ability to self-manage and solve problems independently.
- Observe cell and team meetings and provide recommendations to improve team processes.
- Engage in daily, proactive two-way communication with teams and facilitate strong relationships among associates.
- Coach associates to effectively use available resources and Lean tools while helping teams strengthen their ability to solve problems together.
- Proactively advocate for the team by ensuring appropriate resources and development opportunities are available.
Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing:- Promote on-the-spot problem solving, supporting associates in making decisions and addressing operational needs.
- Utilize Lean-Sigma tools and methodologies to continuously improve business performance.
- Practice and lead KAIZEN events.
- Drive operator-led initiatives that encourage engagement, ownership, and contribution from all associates.
- Utilize "critical few" metrics to focus teams on the activities that drive superior results.
- Build and sustain a culture of continuous improvement throughout the operation.
Cross-Functional Leadership:- Effectively manage cross-functional relationships with other departments to optimize:
- Manpower.
- Materials.
- Equipment.
- Productivity.
- Quality.
- Continuous improvement initiatives.
- Navigate and negotiate organizational change while maintaining team engagement.
- Proactively anticipate challenges and plan appropriate team responses.
- Communicate the big picture clearly while helping associates understand how their contributions support overall business goals.
Key Requirements:The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong leadership, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
- A proven ability to lead and manage teams in a high-performance manufacturing environment.
- A results-driven mindset with strong attention to detail and the ability to effectively manage the big picture.
- The ability to manage and execute multiple complex tasks while performing effectively under pressure.
- Strong ability to motivate teams, communicate expectations, and drive continuous improvement.
- Excellent critical-thinking and analytical abilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Solid planning, leadership, organizational, and administrative skills.
- High energy, urgency, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- A strong understanding of business principles and practices, with the ability to manage manufacturing operations toward bottom-line results.
- The ability to establish and maintain a focused agenda.
- The ability to approach challenging situations constructively and empower associates to achieve solutions.
- Familiarity with and demonstrated application of Lean-Sigma techniques and quality improvement tools.
- A creative and collaborative approach that values associate engagement, ownership, empowerment, and contribution.
- The ability to understand, communicate, and inspire teams to improve key performance metrics.
- The ability to communicate the big picture and help associates achieve their goals.
Qualifications:Education & Experience:- Bachelor's degree required, preferably in:
- Engineering.
- Applied or practical science.
- Business.
- Organizational management.
- Related field.
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing management.
- Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement concepts.
- Demonstrated managerial courage combined with strong interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to proactively build and strengthen team culture.
Technical Skills:- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications:
- Excel.
- Access.
- Word.
- Outlook.
- PowerPoint.
- Ability to create charts, graphs, presentations, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and One-Point Lessons.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.
- SAP experience desired.
What Success Looks Like:Success in this role means creating a manufacturing environment where
safety, quality, delivery, cost, engagement, and continuous improvement work together to drive sustainable results.
The ideal leader will empower associates, build strong teams, solve problems at the source, and continuously improve both the
process and the people who make it successful.
