Manufacturing Operations Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Our client is seeking an experienced and results-oriented Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead and optimize its electronics manufacturing operations. This leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence, implementing continuous improvement initiatives, developing high-performing teams, and ensuring the achievement of key business objectives related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance.

The successful candidate will bring a strong background in electronics manufacturing, proven leadership capabilities, and a passion for building a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership

• Lead all manufacturing operations related to electronic assembly, testing, and production activities.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development for a large cross-functional team consisting of production, engineering, and supervisory personnel.
• Ensure manufacturing operations consistently meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with broader organizational goals.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, enhance quality, and increase operational efficiency through tools such as Value Stream Mapping, 6S, Standard Work, Kanban systems, and Kaizen events.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective action initiatives to address operational challenges and improve performance.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement through employee engagement, training, and accountability.

Performance Management

• Establish, monitor, and improve key operational metrics, including safety, quality, on-time delivery, productivity, inventory management, labor efficiency, and overall business performance.
• Utilize daily management systems and performance dashboards to drive decision-making and operational execution.
• Conduct regular shop-floor engagement activities to identify improvement opportunities and support problem-solving efforts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, and other functional teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Support new product introductions, process transfers, and manufacturing readiness initiatives.
• Collaborate on design-for-manufacturability and process optimization efforts to improve production efficiency and product quality.

Financial & Business Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets and operating plans.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction standards.
• Support strategic planning and long-term capacity planning initiatives.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations, quality standards, and manufacturing best practices.
• Maintain adherence to quality management systems and support internal and external audits as required.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 10 years of progressive manufacturing experience, preferably within an electronics manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing large production and operations teams.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated success leading operational transformation and driving measurable business results.
• Experience managing high-mix, low-to-medium volume manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Printed circuit board assembly processes
• Electronics testing and validation methodologies
• ESD control programs
• Production planning and scheduling systems
• Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and change management capabilities.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred.
• MBA or advanced technical degree considered an asset.
• Experience working within regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience scaling operations and supporting growth initiatives.
• Exposure to automation, robotics, digital manufacturing, or Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Experience managing global supply chain relationships is advantageous.

COMPETENCIES

• Manufacturing Operations Leadership
• Continuous Improvement & Lean Transformation
• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Team Development & Coaching
• Operational Excellence
• Budgeting & Cost Management
• Quality & Compliance Management
• Change Leadership
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Data-Driven Decision Making

Additional Technical Experience Considered an Asset

• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)
• Familiarity with IPC electronics manufacturing standards
• Experience supporting SMT assembly operations and related manufacturing processes
• Knowledge of failure analysis and corrective action methodologies
• ESD program management experience
• Experience working with contract manufacturers and external production partners
• Understanding of electronic component sourcing, supply chain challenges, and production planning

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.