Manufacturing Operations Specialist

Serves as a key operational and analytical resource supporting manufacturing, operations, customer service, business performance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role will work closely with all depts to transform operational data into actionable insights, drives process improvements, supports cross-functional execution, and coordinates initiatives that improve service, quality, efficiency, and profitability.

The role combines operational analytics, project coordination, customer support, process improvement, and problem-solving responsibilities. Success requires strong analytical skills, business judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple functions and locations.

Primary Responsibilities

Operational Analytics & Reporting

• Monitor, analyze, and validate operational performance data and reporting to identify trends, risks, gaps, and opportunities that impact service, quality, cost, and productivity.
• Develop and enhance reporting tools, automation, and data visibility to improve accuracy, efficiency, decision-making, and overall business performance.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Support continuous improvement and process enhancement initiatives through Kaizen events, metric development, action tracking, corrective actions, and system improvement projects.
• Monitor, analyze, and report Process Error (PE) transactions, waste, quality, service, and efficiency metrics to ensure accurate defect and loss classification, identify trends, and drive operational performance improvements.
• Assist with system implementations, integrations, and process enhancements.

Customer, Business & Operational Support

• Serve as a cross-functional resource to support business objectives, resolve issues, and ensure operational readiness.
• Monitor backlog, inventory, production status, delivery performance, and capacity constraints to identify risks, support customer commitments, and drive proactive resolution activities.
• Investigate and resolve issues impacting inventory accuracy, material availability, order fulfillment, production execution, and customer service performance.
• Coordinate follow-up actions related to operational issues, continuous improvement initiatives, and business projects.
• Compile, analyze, and distribute reports supporting production, scheduling, customer service, inventory management, and operational performance.
• Evaluate operational impacts associated with new business opportunities, product changes, customer requirements, and growth initiatives while communicating risks and recommending solutions.
• Assist with new customer onboarding, business implementation, and product launch activities, including RFQ support, qualification testing, production readiness reviews, job setup validation, and launch coordination.

Project Management & Operational Coordination

• Research and resolve freight, shipping, delivery, and customer fulfillment issues through collaboration with customers, carriers, and internal teams.
• Provide project management support for operational initiatives, including planning, execution, tracking, documentation, system implementations and communication.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities to ensure completion of operational priorities and improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Qualifications, Education & Experience

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, business analytics, production planning, inventory management, or a related field.
• Experience supporting cross-functional teams and operational improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with inventory control, material planning, scheduling, purchasing, or customer support processes preferred.

Required Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, complex formulas, and data analysis
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing databases.
• Ability to collect, validate, analyze, and interpret large data sets from multiple sources using Excel, Power BI, and business systems.
• Experience with process mapping, performance metrics, and operational reporting.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present findings and recommendations to various levels of the organization.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily desk and computer work with regular walking through office, warehouse, and production areas to collaborate with employees and management.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs occasionally.

Additional information

AWT is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we encourage all qualified and interested persons to apply for available positions by submitting an application or resume for consideration.  AWT will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability/handicap status, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws.  It is AWT's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. 

Please note these job descriptions are not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.