Operations Manager

The Operations Manager is responsible for end-to-end ownership of the production value stream, driving operational performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement while ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and customer expectations.

This role is accountable for meeting key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, delivery, cost, and efficiency while fostering a data-driven, bottom-up problem-solving culture. They will lead a cross-functional production team, ensuring that workflow optimization, resource utilization, and Lean manufacturing principles are effectively applied to drive operational excellence. This position collaborates closely with Planning, Materials, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance to optimize processes, resolve bottlenecks, and implement continuous improvement initiatives that support long-term business growth.

Note: This position will be based temporarily in NE San Antonio while our new manufacturing plant is coming online. Our permanent location is approximately 25 minutes away at Brooks, 7515 Inner Circle Dr., San Antonio, 78235. The position is also 100% in-office and does not offer remote work. 

Key Responsibilities:

• KPI Ownership & Performance Management: Own, monitor, and drive improvement in key performance indicators (KPIs) including on-time delivery (OTD), first-pass yield (FPY), defects per unit (DPU), safety incidents, and cost efficiency within the value stream.

• Lead Daily Operations: Oversee daily production activities, ensuring work is executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with production schedules, quality standards, and operational goals.

• Team Leadership & Accountability: Manage and develop a cross-functional team including production, quality, materials, and maintenance. Set expectations, provide coaching, and ensure accountability at all levels.

• Production Scheduling & Efficiency: Partner with Production Planning and Materials teams to align demand with capacity, ensuring a balanced workflow, efficient material usage, and optimized labor deployment.

• Data-Driven Problem Solving: Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for operational issues, using tools such as Pareto analysis, A3 problem-solving, and process mapping to drive improvements.

• Continuous Improvement & Lean Implementation: Champion Lean manufacturing principles, eliminating waste and driving efficiency through 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, and Value Stream Mapping (VSM) initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams to identify and resolve design, process, or equipment issues affecting production.

• Compliance & Safety: Ensure adherence to safety policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. Champion a culture of zero injuries and high-quality production.

• The candidate will be expected to perform additional duties as assigned to support the team and organization

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, Industrial Technology, or a related field is preferred. 

• 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing leadership, such as Production Supervisor, Manufacturing Manager, or Value Stream Leadership roles.

• Proven track record of improving KPIs (e.g., cycle time reduction, FPY improvements, DPU reductions, or cost-saving initiatives).

• Proven ability to develop, coach, and manage cross-functional teams, ensuring accountability and engagement.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with experience in using KPIs, root cause analysis, and Lean tools to drive decision-making.

• Hands-on experience in Lean manufacturing, value stream mapping, waste elimination, and production workflow optimization.

• Ability to communicate effectively with shop floor teams, peers, and senior leadership, ensuring alignment across the organization.

• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (INFOR/Syteline a plus), Tableau, and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) for reporting and data analysis.

• Preferred certifications: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or higher), Project Management Professional (PMP). APICS, CPIM, or other supply chain-related certification is a plus for materials-heavy value streams.

• Demonstrated career ambition with a track record of growth and increasing responsibility; highly promotable with the potential to take on broader leadership roles within a fast-paced, high-growth organization

The future is bright at IEM. As IEM accelerates into its next phase of growth in San Antonio, we expect to create new opportunities across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, logistics, and corporate functions. Keep an eye on our careers page to stay connected and explore the roles that will help power what’s next.

Compensation actually offered for this role will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.  

Job Posting Salary Range: 3.0 - 6.0 USD