Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

American Wood Fibers (AWF) is a manufacturer of both consumer and industrial products that are sold to multiple manufacturers as well as pet, agricultural, and home-heating markets. AWF is comprised of 450+ employees and holds operations at 11 locations, generating over $100M in annual sales revenue. We are currently seeking a candidate for the Operations Manager role in our Jamestown, CA facility.

The ideal Operations Manager for this role is a proactive, action-oriented leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about understanding the operation from the ground up. In addition to office activities, this individual will immerse themselves in our processes, equipment, and team dynamics, using their knowledge and hands-on approach to improve performance, support employees, drive continuous improvement and assist in rapid problem-solving when operational hiccups occur.

JOB SUMMARY - Primary duties to include, but not limited to the following:

I. SAFETY:

· Lead the plant safety committee and promote safe working habits daily.

· Ensure the safety, cleanliness, and housekeeping standards of the plant, with a focus on meeting OSHA/NFPA requirements.

· Monthly safety training topics and training materials are provided by the corporate EHS. Work with the Plant Leads to ensure all site employees complete and understand these monthly safety trainings by the deadlines provided.

· Ensure all OSHA, state and company mandated regulatory and safety inspections and are completed and paperwork is submitted on time

· Responsible for documentation, root cause investigation and corrective actions in response to customer complaints, property damage, near misses and employee injuries.

· Ensure all new employees receive required training and understand the site Emergency Action Plan and their job specific equipment, procedures and hazards before starting their role.

· Ensure all employees have been provided and have access to required PPE

· Ensure all employees are performing required pre-trip inspections on equipment before use

II. OPERATIONS:

· Oversee planning, direction, and supervision of all plant activities and assets, including production, safety, maintenance, housekeeping, personnel, spending and special projects, ensuring efficient and safe operations within budget constraints.

· Balance production and sales based on plant capabilities and raw material flow.

· Manage manufacturing costs, inventory levels, repairs, and the effective use of labor, equipment, and facilities.

· Collaborate with Sales and your team to optimize the production schedule, shipping scheduling, and inventory management to meet the customer’s needs.

· Coordinate operational programs, including manufacturing methods, cost reduction initiatives, preventive maintenance, training, and safety.

· Promote and demonstrate a culture of continuous improvement. Identify waste, streamline standard operating procedures (SOPs), and implement continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma) initiatives.

· Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), manage departmental budgets, and review operational metrics—balancing analytical planning with physical execution

III. QUALITY:

· Ensure all quality assurance measures are followed and clearly communicated to production staff, office personnel, and customers.

· Ensure all finished goods meet package stated requirements

· Ensure all quality data is documented in a timely manner

· Assist in designing and implementing new procedures as required.

IV. PERSONNEL / PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS:

· Verify time card accuracy for payroll processing.

· Monitor attendance and tardiness to ensure compliance.

· Employ progressive disciplinary actions when necessary to uphold company policies, rules, and regulations.

· Ensure all employees understand their job assignment through clear and measurable expectations and hold personnel accountable to these expectations.

· Must promote and demonstrate a positive teamwork atmosphere which encourages open communication and idea sharing

· Team Engagement and Coaching - Work side-by-side with supervisors, machine operators and floor staff to build trust, enforce standards, and provide live coaching.

· Collaborate with the Plant Leads to conduct and present performance evaluations for plant personnel, with recommendations for improvements, promotions or transfers.

· Work with HR to interview and hire qualified candidates for open plant positions

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Active Problem Solving – Ability and willingness to jump in to resolve real-time operational disruptions, supply chain hiccups, or staffing shortages as they happen.

· Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and maintenance principles and applications.

· Basic knowledge of LEAN principles and philosophy.

· Experience with budgeting and expense management, with a foundational understanding of financial and accounting practices.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for data analysis and trend reporting.

· Experience with safety systems and enforcement of safety policies.

· Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop employee skills.

· Excellent planning, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to balance production and maintenance priorities.

· Highly motivated, results-oriented, driven and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

· Ability to travel occasionally (less than 10%)

REQUIREMENTS

· Minimum of 5 years of relevant management experience.

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Walking/Standing: Frequent walking and standing to oversee plant operations, safety compliance, and quality checks.

· Sitting: Required for desk-based tasks while working at a computer terminal or desk