Operations Manager

Position Title: Operations Manager

Reports To: Business Unit Manager

Location: Bryan, Ohio (multi-site oversight: US & Mexico)

Direct Reports: Plant Managers

The Opportunity

Our client is a division of a Fortune 500 diversified industrial manufacturer with roughly $14 billion in global revenue, operations in 57 countries, and a portfolio of more than 16,000 active patents. Within that global enterprise, this business unit is a focused automotive supplier engineering and manufacturing thermal-management and fluid-handling components - including thermal management systems, fluid routing and handling products, molded plastic and elastomer components, and valves, connectors, and related assemblies that support internal-combustion, hybrid, and battery-electric vehicle platforms.

The business unit operates multiple manufacturing locations across the United States and Mexico. This role has full accountability for integrating operations across those sites - production, materials, engineering, and logistics.. As the business enters a period of change and renewed focus, it needs an Operations Manager who can set the pace across sites, build a strong plant leadership bench, and translate strategy into consistent day-to-day results.

Set the agenda. Build the bench. Raise the bar across every site.

This is not a caretaker role - it's ownership of a multi-site operating agenda, with the authority to align every plant function around one set of priorities. You'll set expectations, remove barriers that individual sites can't resolve on their own, and build a leadership team that performs today and is stronger a year from now.

Why This Role Is Different

• Multi-site ownership - set the Operations agenda across several manufacturing sites, not a single plant or function
• Backed by Fortune 500 scale - the resources, tooling, and career runway of a global industrial leader, with real autonomy over how the business unit runs
• Genuine integration authority - set priorities, hold Plant Managers and site leaders accountable, and resolve cross-functional and systemic barriers directly
• A recognized leadership pipeline - this role is positioned to grow into broader Operations Director scope for a strong performer
• A business in transition - significant runway to modernize systems, simplify the footprint, and build a bench of newer leaders into strong operators

What You'll Own

Integrate Operations

• Oversee multiple operational functions across sites - production, materials, engineering, and logistics
• Ensure processes are aligned to deliver quality, efficiency, and customer outcomes
• Connect day-to-day execution at each site to broader business priorities

Drive Continuous Improvement (80/20)

• Apply 80/20 thinking to prioritize resources and simplify operations across the network
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve cost, quality, and delivery
• Solve complex, multi-site operational issues and implement solutions that scale

Lead Teams & Build Capability

• Lead Plant Managers, functional leaders, supervisors, and professional staff
• Develop team capability and strengthen the operations talent pipeline, including where long-tenured leaders are approaching retirement
• Promote accountability and data-driven decision-making

Support Business Performance

• Contribute to planning, reporting, and operational reviews
• Provide input into business decisions, product and process improvements, and resource allocation
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949; ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 (OH&S); OSHA and applicable regulatory requirements

People Leadership & Culture

• Lead, coach, and develop Plant Managers and site leadership teams
• Establish consistent expectations for accountability and performance management across sites
• Promote a culture focused on safety, continuous improvement, and collaboration and respect
• Partner with HR on workforce planning, talent development, and employee relations

Capital & Resource Management

• Plan and execute capital investment (CAPEX) projects across the network
• Ensure appropriate staffing, materials, and resources to meet demand at each site
• Drive efficient allocation of resources across facilities

What Success Looks Like in Year One

• A clear point of view on network footprint and cost structure, with recommendations for where and how to simplify
• Progress modernizing core operating systems and data used for planning and decision-making
• Visible improvement in conversion cost and labor efficiency, including a clear read on inlining and staffing opportunities
• A more efficient, well-organized warehouse and materials workflow
• Measurable progress on inventory accuracy and control
• A stronger, more capable bench of Plant Managers and site leaders, with clear decisions made about where to develop versus where to make a change

Scope

• Single business unit; multi-site oversight across the U.S. and Mexico
• Oversight of multiple operational functions
• Mix of tactical execution and mid-term planning
• Increasing influence on business decisions, with a path toward broader Operations Director scope

Travel

Approximately 50%, including regular visits to all sites and monthly travel to Mexico; travel is somewhat lower for candidates based in or near Bryan, Ohio.

Why You'll Want to Stay

This is a rare opportunity to mentor, coach, and develop a team of leaders who are relatively new in their roles - and to shape how a multi-site manufacturing operation runs for years to come. Strong performance in this role is a recognized path toward broader Operations Director responsibility.

Work Environment

This role operates within a manufacturing environment, including plastic injection molding facilities. The position may involve exposure to temperature variations and industrial noise. All safety protocols and procedures must be followed at all times. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

About the Organization

Our client is a division of a Fortune 500 diversified industrial manufacturer delivering specialized expertise and value-added products across a wide range of industries worldwide. With approximately $14 billion in global revenue, operations across 57 countries, roughly 45,000 employees, and a portfolio of more than 16,000 active patents, the parent company is recognized as a global leader in applied engineering and manufacturing innovation.

Within this global enterprise, the business unit supplies engineered thermal-management and fluid-handling components to major automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, supporting internal-combustion, hybrid, and battery-electric vehicle platforms.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Our client is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected status.

Skills & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required (Engineering, Operations, or Supply Chain preferred)
• 7+ years of manufacturing experience, including at least 4+ years in progressive leadership roles
• Proven track record improving operational performance across multiple sites
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, automotive quality systems (IATF, APQP, PPAP), and OSHA/regulatory compliance
• Plastic injection molding or process-manufacturing experience strongly preferred
• P&L exposure and annual planning experience
• Strong cross-functional operations experience and the ability to connect strategy to execution across multiple functions
• A track record of developing talent and building leadership bench strength
• Automotive-industry experience is a plus but not required - candidates with strong multi-site manufacturing or distribution backgrounds are also encouraged to apply

Qualifications