Operations Manager

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations Leadership

• Direct daily production activities to ensure the achievement of operational, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Lead and support production supervisors while holding them accountable for departmental performance and results.
• Review operational metrics, identify performance gaps, and implement corrective actions to achieve production targets.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to establish and execute strategic manufacturing objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall plant performance.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Promote and maintain a safe work environment by ensuring compliance with all company safety policies and procedures.
• Lead efforts to improve workplace safety, housekeeping, and operational risk reduction.
• Ensure all manufacturing processes and products consistently meet quality standards and customer expectations.
• Maintain compliance with IATF 16949 quality management requirements and ISO 14001 environmental standards.
• Support quality improvement initiatives and corrective action programs to resolve production-related issues.

Leadership & Employee Development

• Coach, mentor, and develop production supervisors and manufacturing personnel.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide timely feedback to drive employee growth and accountability.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on teamwork, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, succession planning, and workforce development activities.
• Recognize and reward strong performance while addressing performance concerns appropriately.

Operational Excellence

• Analyze production data and key performance indicators to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Implement manufacturing best practices and Lean principles to improve operational performance.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to achieve plant objectives.
• Ensure efficient utilization of labor, materials, and equipment resources.
• Support special projects and strategic initiatives as required.

Employee Relations

• Promote a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
• Address employee concerns and resolve issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Build strong working relationships across departments to support collaboration and operational success.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunity, fairness, and respectful treatment of all employees.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for multiple manufacturing departments and production teams.
• Manage production supervisors and front-line leaders responsible for daily plant operations.
• Oversee employee staffing, training, performance management, and professional development.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures.
• Drive employee engagement and workforce effectiveness through effective communication and leadership.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 7-10 years of leadership experience within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proven success managing production teams and achieving measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Experience leading supervisors and developing high-performing manufacturing teams.

Preferred Experience

• Automotive manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting the production of occupant safety restraint systems or related automotive components.
• Knowledge of the Toyota Production System (TPS), Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working within IATF 16949-certified manufacturing environments.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to analyze operational data and drive performance improvements.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.
• Experience with QAD, BAE, or similar ERP systems preferred.