Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

  JOB SUMMARY

Otto Systems is a small, established business serving the overhead material handling industry. We provide service, parts, and equipment for a wide variety of overhead hoists and cranes used in both general industry and the entertainment industry. We also offer hand-operated equipment, including pullers and hand chain hoists.

You will work directly with a small team, wear multiple hats, and make practical decisions every day. The right person is mechanically minded, organized, self-motivated, and genuinely interested in becoming an integral part of a small business. Industry knowledge can be learned, but mechanical aptitude, common sense, and a willingness to learn are essential.

We are looking for a hands-on Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operation of the business. This position is responsible for coordinating and managing sales, service, parts, and new equipment, while working closely with customers, technicians, vendors, and suppliers. The right person is a self-starter who takes initiative and works independently to get things done, while collaborating closely with executive leadership to help Otto Systems continue to grow.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and manage sales, service, warehouse, parts, and new equipment activity to keep the business running smoothly.
• Lead, support, and hold accountable a small staff of 3 to 4 people. Set clear expectations and help them succeed.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key accounts, build strong customer relationships, resolve issues quickly, and ensure orders and service are delivered on time.
• Work closely with technicians, vendors, and suppliers to keep parts, service, and equipment moving.
• Identify new customers, support sales efforts, and look for practical ways to expand Otto Systems' market presence.
• Spot inefficiencies and fix them; find smarter, faster, and more cost-effective ways to operate.
• Ensure the business follows safety regulations, company policies, and applicable industry standards.
• Develop a solid working knowledge of overhead hoists, cranes, motors, motor controls, and related material handling equipment. 
• Apply basic knowledge of electric motors and motor controls and use a strong mechanical aptitude to troubleshoot problems as they come up.
• Read, understand, and work with equipment manuals and parts breakdowns; this is mandatory to the role.
• Manage multiple priorities and follow projects through to completion using strong organizational and communication skills.
• Bring a customer focused attitude to every interaction and build strong, lasting relationships with accounts.
• Stay willing and able to learn our products and the overhead material handling industry, even without prior industry experience.

What We're Looking For

• A calm, practical problem solver who can make good decisions with limited information
• Comfort doing the work yourself – this is a small team, and the role requires someone hands on, not just supervisory
• Experience in the overhead material handling industry is a plus, but not required for the right candidate

Requirements:

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or a related field is preferred, or equivalent hands on experience
• 5 to 10 years of experience managing operations in a small business, industrial equipment, material handling, or a similar parts and service environment
• Must be local and on site in Santa Fe Springs, CA. This is not a remote role, and candidates must live within 50 miles of our office
• Comfortable doing the work yourself - this is a small team, and the GM needs to be hands-on, not just supervisory.
• Strong communicator. able to speak clearly and write effectively with customers, staff, and leadership.
• Problem-solver, calm under pressure, practical, and able to make good decisions with limited information.

Compensation and Benefits: 

Job Type: Full-Time Employment 

Pay: Base Salary $140,000 - $155,000

This role is considered exempt and an “ONSITE” role only.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Employees work under typical office or warehouse conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet to moderate. However, in certain assignments, an employee may work near moving equipment and be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, biological hazards, airborne fumes, outdoor weather conditions, and loud, prolonged noise.