Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Operations Leader is responsible for overseeing daily production activities while developing a high-performing team focused on safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement. This position provides leadership on the production floor, coordinates staffing and workflow, and works closely with cross-functional teams to achieve operational goals and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations and provide clear direction to production employees and frontline leaders.
• Communicate production priorities, operational changes, performance expectations, and business objectives through regular team meetings and ongoing communication.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, employee engagement, and continuous development.
• Coach and develop employees and frontline leaders through regular feedback, performance discussions, and individual development opportunities.
• Address performance issues appropriately and consistently in accordance with company policies and established procedures.
• Partner with training and leadership teams to ensure employees are properly trained, qualified, and cross-trained to support operational flexibility.
• Develop and manage staffing plans and work schedules to meet production requirements, customer demand, and business priorities.
• Monitor labor utilization and overtime while balancing staffing needs with operational efficiency.
• Promote Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices to improve productivity, quality, safety, cost, and overall operational performance.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and lead or participate in initiatives designed to improve manufacturing processes and eliminate waste.
• Collaborate with Quality, Safety, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and other functions to resolve issues and achieve business objectives.
• Maintain a strong focus on workplace safety and ensure employees follow applicable safety policies, procedures, and standards.
• Support quality objectives and ensure production activities consistently meet established quality requirements.
• Monitor operational performance and use data, metrics, and problem-solving techniques to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Participate in initiatives related to safety, quality, employee development, Lean Manufacturing, process improvement, and operational excellence.
• Adapt to changing production priorities and business conditions while maintaining effective communication and team alignment.
• Support operations across multiple shifts, including environments requiring 24/7 operational coverage.
• Ensure compliance with applicable company policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related field with 4+ years of relevant experience; or may consider years of leadership experience in lieu of degree
• Demonstrated experience leading manufacturing or production teams.
• Strong leadership, coaching, employee development, and performance management skills.
• Experience with process improvement, Lean Manufacturing, operational excellence, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong organizational, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with employees and leaders across multiple departments and levels of an organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where priorities may change based on production and business needs.
• Flexibility to work varying schedules and provide leadership support in a 24/7 manufacturing operation.