Manager-Operations

JOB TITLE: Operations Manager

EMPLOYER: VAG USA, LLC | GA Industries brand

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: President

ABOUT US: GA Industries, founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1895, is a leader in the manufacture of valves for industrial and municipal water and wastewater industries in the USA. GA Industries is owned and operated by VAG USA, LLC in Mars, Pennsylvania, USA. VAG USA, LLC is a member of the VAG Group headquartered in Mannheim, Germany.

VAG USA, aka GA Industries, plays a leading role wherever water is purified, conveyed, stored, and distributed. With a robust and growing valve-focused product line, our innovative and customized solutions are used in multiple applications and industries. With a focus on the customer, we set new standards in quality and service and strive for manufacturing excellence.

THE ROLE: We are currently seeking a motivated individual for our facility in Mars, Pennsylvania, for an Operations Manager position. The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing all manufacturing and operational functions within the facility. This role oversees end-to-end manufacturing operations, including receiving, material handling, machining, CNC operations, maintenance, assembly, testing, finishing (sandblasting/painting), and shipping. In addition, the Operations Manager manages the Planning department and drives continuous improvement initiatives focused on lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and data-driven decision-making.

This role requires strong cross-functional leadership, daily operational discipline, and the ability to scale operations, including the implementation and sustainment of a second shift to support company growth. The Operations Manager will partner closely with other departments and provide regular performance reporting to corporate leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manufacturing & Operations Leadership

• Oversee all manufacturing operations, including receiving, material handling, machining, CNC operations, maintenance, assembly, testing, sandblasting/painting, and shipping.
• Ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are consistently met or exceeded.
• Lead Visual Daily Management Meetings, including updating boards / PDCA process
• Establish clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards across all operational functions.
• Ensure all operations comply with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 requirements, including adherence to documented procedures and work instructions.

Planning & Productivity Management

• Lead the Planning department and work closely with the supply chain department to ensure material availability, cost control, and efficient production flow.
• Align production planning with demand forecasts, capacity, and inventory strategies, as well as reducing slow-moving/excess/obsolete inventory.
• Drive utilization/productivity performance, lead-time reduction, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Take ownership of inventory accuracy and controls, including assisting with planning and leading the annual physical inventory count, an all-hands operational event.

Daily Management & Accountability

• Re-implement and lead daily operational meetings within each functional area.
• Clearly communicate daily priorities, production targets, and key issues.
• Drive accountability to ensure planned work is completed as expected.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles.
• Identify waste, inefficiencies, and bottlenecks; lead cross-functional teams to implement sustainable improvements.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, problem-solving, and employee engagement.
• Support and participate in internal and external ISO audits, including preparation, execution, and follow-up activities.

Data-Driven Decision Making & Systems

• Utilize operational data to drive informed decision-making and performance improvements.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry within SAP and related systems.
• Continuously improve data accuracy, system utilization, and reporting effectiveness.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs).

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Reporting

• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Finance, Sales, Supply Chain, and other departments to align operational goals.
• Prepare and present a monthly operational report to corporate leadership.

Workforce Planning & Growth

• Lead staffing, training, and development of operations personnel.
• Implement and maintain a second shift to support business growth.
• Ensure consistent processes and standards across all shifts.
• Assist in staffing and workforce planning across operations, including identifying current and future talent needs.
• Partner with third-party recruiting firms, local trade schools, and workforce development organizations to build and maintain a strong talent pipeline.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and training efforts to ensure staffing levels and skill sets align with operational demands and growth plans.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of management experience within a manufacturing facility.
• ERP system experience; SAP strongly preferred.
• Proven leadership and change management skills.

Preferred

• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Experience in CNC machining and discrete manufacturing environments.
• Prior experience implementing or scaling second-shift operations.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Leadership and people development
• Operational discipline and execution
• Data-driven problem solving
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strong communication and presentation skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl

• Noise level in the work environment is usually mild during work activities
• Frequently required to communicate orally.
• Ability to use hands and fingers dexterously to operate office equipment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 30 pounds

EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Matching 401K Program

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: VAG USA, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.