Operations Manager

Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Operations Manager plays a critical role in driving plant performance by overseeing production, logistics and procurement, safety, quality, and employee engagement. The incumbent is responsible for managing daily operations, leading cross-functional teams, and implementing strategic initiatives that support business goals. The role requires strong leadership, collaboration with HR, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and other departments, and a commitment to continuous improvement through Lean principles. The Operations Manager ensures alignment with company standards while fostering a culture of accountability, development, and operational excellence.

What’s in it for you?

• Leadership Impact: Drive strategic initiatives and lead cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence across production, logistics, and quality.
• Professional Growth: Opportunity to apply and expand Lean and Six Sigma expertise while shaping a high-performance, safety-focused culture.
• People Development: Empower and mentor teams to build leadership capability, drive engagement, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

What does an Operations Manager do?

• Promotes plant safety by leading initiatives and enforcing safety policies.
• Manages organizational structure and advises supervisors on policies and union contracts.
• Resolves non-routine personnel issues and partners with HR on union grievances.
• Maintains quality performance using systems management and Lean principles.
• Ensures customer focus across Operations to meet material requirements.
• Sets workforce requirements to align with production schedules and cost goals.
• Assists HR with interviewing and selecting qualified candidates.
• Provides departmental induction and ensures proper training processes are followed.
• Fosters positive employee relations through regular interaction and support.
• Encourages supervisors to build strong relationships with their teams.
• Promotes plant goals and supports Lean initiatives on the shop floor.
• Provides employee training and supports continuous skill development.
• Facilitates supervisor development through targeted training programs.
• Promotes participative management and employee involvement through meetings and communication.
• Drives excellence in housekeeping through Lean events (5S).
• Supports collaboration between maintenance and production teams.
• Recommends and implements Lean events focused on safety, efficiency, and cost.
• Delivers ongoing performance feedback to supervisors and technical staff.
• Implements strategic plant plans in partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Sets clear responsibilities and performance expectations for the Operations Team.
• Communicates Operations performance and progress to the Plant Leadership Team.
• Approves organizational structure to meet demand and encourage knowledge sharing.
• Promotes positive employee relations to maintain a collaborative environment.
• Acts as interim site manager in the Plant Manager’s absence.
• Recommends staffing and workflow adjustments to meet business needs.
• Collaborates with Supply Chain to manage schedules, materials, and vendors.
• Supervises and leads Supervisors, Team Leads, and hourly production staff.
• Manages work assignments, schedules, and timekeeping systems.
• Supports production activities including new product development, capital projects, and quality assurance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or operations.
• Proven experience managing teams in a unionized environment.
• Familiarity with SAP systems and timekeeping software (e.g., Kronos).
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies.

What will make you successful?

• Strong understanding of production processes, quality control, and safety standards.
• Proficiency in production planning and scheduling tools.
• Basic knowledge of key OSHA and environmental regulations.
• Strong incident investigation skills using structured tools such as RCFA or 5-Why.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive strategic initiatives.
• Ability to act decisively and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Inspires and motivates teams to achieve goals and embrace change.
• Aligns operational activities with long-term business objectives.
• Leads and facilitates initiatives that enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Builds strong partnerships across departments and levels.
• Identifies issues and implements effective solutions.
• Takes ownership of outcomes and drives performance.
• Communicates effectively at all levels; imparts knowledge in a positive, value-added manner.
• Champions innovation and process optimization.
• Fosters a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and energetic in achieving business objectives.
• Capable of prioritizing and managing multiple activities in dynamic environments.
• Navigates complex situations with tact and helps move the organization beyond current paradigms.
• Works across organizational lines to achieve results through collaboration and influence.

What will make you stand out?

• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)

Physical Demands

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: sit for prolonged periods; repetitive motion of hands/wrists/fingers; concentrate and repeat the same physical or mental activities over and over; think analytically and be exact or highly accurate; make decisions such as to identify complex problems, develop options and implement solutions; work in a team; ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADAAA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards; pay attention to and remember details; communicate effectively including active listening to understand points being made, and asking appropriate questions and not interrupting inappropriately; speak to convey information effectively; write to communicate effectively as appropriate for the needs of the audience; read to understand work related documents; move between different physical locations within and between buildings; and push, pull, carry and lift in the normal course of travel.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Office Environment – This position operates in a professional office environment and is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. No PPE is required.

• Plant Environment – This position operates in a manufacturing setting and can be subject to extreme cold and hot temperatures; uneven walking surfaces with cords, tools, and other obstacles; intermittent loud noises; and dusty or dirty conditions. Required PPE includes: Hard hat (when required), safety glasses, earplugs, steel toe/composite boots, and fall protection.

Pay: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person