Description
Job Summary
The Operations Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling manufacturing operations to ensure that goods are produced efficiently, on time, within budget, and to established quality standards. This role requires both hands-on oversight of daily production activities and strategic leadership to improve processes, optimize resources, and drive continuous improvement. The Operations Manager will collaborate closely with management, quality, planning, and frontline workers to maintain a smooth workflow, meet customer commitments, and support company growth and profitability.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Meet and strive for all Quality Delivery Cost measures.
- Lead daily production operations to meet schedules and ensure on-time delivery (OTD).
- Monitor, audit, and improve work performance to ensure compliance with work instructions and quality standards.
- Partner with Quality to maintain zero-defect standards during the assembly and manufacturing process.
- Provide hands-on problem solving on the production floor, resolving issues quickly and effectively.
- Work with Supervisors to build high-performing teams and provide coaching, training, and corrective action where needed.
- Develop and implement production schedules in partnership with Production Planning and Purchasing, balancing financial goals and customer commitments.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
- Conduct employee performance appraisals, provide constructive feedback, and support career development.
- Participate in production meetings, customer visits, and other cross-functional sessions.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean, Kaizen, and Six Sigma practices, to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and eliminate waste.
- Monitor productivity, scrap, and rework data, and implement corrective actions to achieve performance targets.
- Plan and oversee capital projects, plant layout changes, and equipment installations as required.
- Establish and enforce operations standards for cost control, waste reduction, safety, and quality.
- Support new product launches and ensure smooth integration into existing operations.
- Perform other related duties as assigned, including overtime and short-notice tasks when needed.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Directly oversee Supervisors, Leads, and production teams.
- Responsible for hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.
- Provide motivational leadership and ensure understanding and attainment of performance objectives.
- Address complaints, resolve problems, and maintain a safe and productive work environment.
Requirements
Education and Experience
- Required: High school diploma or technical degree and 5+ years of manufacturing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or related field; 5–10 years of progressive leadership experience in production or manufacturing management.
Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and Continuous Improvement processes.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documents, blueprints, Bills of Material, and process sheets.
- Skilled in production scheduling, quality systems, and process improvement.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead, motivate, and influence at all levels.
- Proficient in problem analysis, root cause resolution, and corrective action planning.
- Strong computer literacy, including ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Understanding P&L’s, balance sheets, and matrix management.
Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Quality-focused with high attention to detail.
- Strong team player with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Ability to think strategically (1–2 years ahead) while maintaining daily operational excellence.
- Financial acumen, including knowledge of budgets, cost control, and productivity metrics.
- Commitment to customer satisfaction and service excellence.
Physical Demands
- Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, talk, and hear.
- Frequently required to bend, lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds (with assistance as needed).
- Must have vision capabilities including close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
Work Environment
- Combination of office and plant environments.
- Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, manufacturing equipment, and moderate noise levels.
- Must be comfortable working in a hands-on manufacturing setting.