Operations Manager

As the Operations Manager you will directly manage the supervisors of the APU (autonomous production unit) site and have overall responsibility for the full scope of operations. The Operations Manager directs and coordinates functions for the product line including manufacturing, supply chain, on time delivery quality, and operational excellence. You will plan, coordinate, supervise and motivate the activities of all assigned employees as well as the utilization of employees assigned to peer lines to meet or exceed safety, quality, delivery, cost, and efficiency goals and supporting plant wide initiatives.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Manage multiple production supervisors across a 24/7 manufacturing operation.
• Lead production and operations to troubleshoot and improve areas related to: 
  • Machine downtime.
  • Production schedules. 
  • Product quality.
  • On time delivery.
• Make operational decisions and engage technical staff as needed for support.
• Determine manpower requirements to meet production schedules.
• Participate in employment and staffing decisions/performance management decisions.
• Promote regular communication and motivation to achieve production goals.
• Implement elements of the organizational development (OD) plan, including: 
  • Process control strategy.
  • Organizational strategy.
     

Safety & Compliance

• Lead and promote the Plant Safety Process across the Value Stream.
• Maintain strong operating discipline and awareness around plant safety policies.
• Drive safety-focused Lean events related to process effectiveness and cost reduction. 
• Promote excellence in housekeeping, 5S and workplace organization.
   

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Address and remove waste from the operation.
• Develop processes and systems for continuous improvement.
• Maintain quality performance through systems management and Lean principles. 
• Support and participate in Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
• Recommend and manage Lean events focused on: 
  • Safety.
  • Cycle time reduction.
  • Cost reduction.
• Establish Lean events to improve housekeeping and reduce operational effort/cost.
   

Leadership, Employee Relations & Development

• Partner with HR to develop and coach supervisors and other staff members
• Lead, coach, and support supervisors in policy interpretation, labor relations, and operational performance 
• Interview and help select qualified employees
• Ensure onboarding, departmental induction, and job training are completed effectively
• Promote positive employee relations and maintain strong communication with employees 
• Provide ongoing performance assessment and feedback for supervisors and technical staff 
• Support employee involvement through: 
  • Frequent employee meetings 
  • Problem-solving activities 
  • Recognition programs 
  • Information sharing 
  • Delegation of responsibility 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

•  Work closely with the Plant Leadership Team and other Operations managers
• Communicate business unit performance, operational issues, and improvement activities 
• Maintain strong customer awareness and focus on delivering product that meets customer requirements 
   

What Will Make You Successful

• Strong safety leadership and commitment to plant safety culture 
• Ability to lead operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment 
• Strong organizational and operational decision-making skills 
• Proven ability to organize, implement, and sustain change initiatives 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and employees 
• Strong employee relations and conflict resolution capabilities 
• Ability to balance production, maintenance, quality, and operational priorities 
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and leadership skills 
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence 
• Strong customer-focused mindset 
• Ability to manage performance and accountability across a 24/7 operation 

What Makes You Stand Out

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field 
• 3+ years of supervisory or manufacturing leadership experience 
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment 
• Knowledge of: 
  • Lean Manufacturing 
  • Six Sigma methodologies 
  • Organizational development 
  • Human resources practices 
• Experience leading Lean events and continuous improvement initiatives 
• Strong systems management and process improvement background