Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Operations Manager

Reports To: General Manager
Compensation: $140,000–$160,000 (Salary)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; overtime as required

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for directing and overseeing all manufacturing operations. This role leads the development of the operations organization, establishes effective processes and procedures aligned with business strategy, and drives continuous improvement across safety, quality, cost, delivery, and employee relations.

This position ensures daily production goals are met while maintaining compliance with internal policies, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain operational standards for cost control, waste reduction, quality, safety, and on-time delivery.
• Lead daily production activities, including labor planning, production scheduling, and material control to meet customer and business needs.
• Direct the implementation and execution of manufacturing policies, including Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.
• Ensure all production activities meet quality standards and customer specifications.
• Build, develop, and lead the operations leadership team to execute operational strategies and support strong employee relations.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, mutual respect, and ownership at all levels of the organization.
• Provide leadership in problem resolution to drive rapid improvement and strengthen cross-functional working relationships.
• Lead short-term (6–12 month) operational planning and contribute to long-term (1–2 year) strategic planning.
• Oversee the operations budget and ensure compliance with approved expenditure guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and environmental regulations, including wastewater management, chemical handling, and related programs.
• Lead or participate in safety initiatives, including training, incident investigations, and workers’ compensation processes.
• Oversee the development and execution of training programs, including onboarding, training matrices, and employee development initiatives.
• Manage employee schedules, attendance, and vacation through the organization’s time management system.
• Ensure consistent application of company policies and, where applicable, collective bargaining agreement provisions.
• Support and drive 5S initiatives and overall plant cleanliness.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years of operations leadership experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment; automotive manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams and achieve results through others.
• Strong planning capability, with the ability to think and plan over a 1–2 year horizon.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience developing and deploying manufacturing systems and processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills at both strategic and operational levels.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, process improvement, materials management, freight and distribution, and production scheduling.
• Experience with employee training and development programs.
• Strong customer focus and alignment with organizational values.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working in a unionized environment preferred or required, depending on location.

Physical Requirements

• Regular walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds or more.
• Ability to respond to plant-wide announcements and safely navigate a manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

• Exposure to forklifts and heavy equipment traffic.
• Dusty and/or noisy conditions typical of a manufacturing environment.
• Temperature variations due to open doors or outdoor exposure.
• Possible exposure to slippery floors, coolants, oils, fumes, and hazardous materials.
• Handling parts with sharp edges may be required.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Safety glasses required on the shop floor.
• Additional PPE required based on task or work area.

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