Operations Lead

Operations Lead

Support the team. Strengthen the operation.

As an Operations Lead, you're the bridge between leadership and the production floor. You'll lead by example—supporting daily operations, developing employees, solving problems, and ensuring work gets done safely, efficiently, and with the quality our customers expect.

If you're a hands-on leader who enjoys developing people, improving processes, and creating results through teamwork, this is an opportunity to take the next step in your manufacturing career.

What Success Looks Like

• Lead from the floor by setting the example for safety, quality, productivity, and teamwork every day.
• Keep production on track by helping coordinate schedules, adjusting priorities as needed, and ensuring work is completed efficiently.
• Create a culture of accountability by coaching employees, answering questions, and helping team members succeed.
• Drive Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) performance by monitoring results, addressing issues, and reinforcing expectations.
• Identify and resolve production challenges before they impact employees, customers, or delivery commitments.
• Partner with supervisors, leads, and team members across departments to keep communication flowing and operations running smoothly.
• Support training and employee development efforts that strengthen skills, improve flexibility, and build future leaders.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that improve productivity, reduce waste, and enhance the employee experience.
• Make sound decisions that balance customer needs, quality expectations, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications That Shine

• High school diploma or GED required; technical college certificate preferred.
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience with demonstrated leadership responsibilities.
• 2–4 years of leadership experience preferred, whether as a lead, trainer, mentor, or supervisor.
• Proven ability to motivate teams, build accountability, and maintain a positive work environment.
• Experience planning work, coordinating production activities, and managing changing priorities.
• Strong understanding of safety, quality, and production standards within a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret schedules, blueprints, work instructions, reports, and production documentation.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements that drive measurable results.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills with the ability to address employee concerns and resolve conflicts professionally.
• Ability to build teamwork across departments, shifts, and functional areas to achieve common goals.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• You'll Be Empowered – You'll have autonomy in your role, supported by a team that trusts your judgment
• You'll Grow With Us – We invest in your training, development, and long-term career path
• You'll Be Rewarded – Competitive pay, performance incentives, 401(k) with profit sharing, and great benefits
• You'll Make a Real Impact – Your work supports businesses across North America and shapes the future of finishing technology
• You'll Join a Great Team – We're growing fast, we value collaboration, and are committed to your success

Transparent Rewards At GFS, we recognize the dedication behind every role and ensure that our compensation reflects both your impact and our shared success.

Pay Range: $28.90 – $36.39 per hour, based on your experience, skills, and qualifications.

Bonus Eligibility: This position is eligible for an annual individual incentive based on company performance. Maximum bonus amounts may vary depending on role.

Benefits: Eligible for standard company benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off, and other employee programs. More detailed information is available at 2026 GFS Benefits.

Actual compensation will be determined by factors including experience, education, certifications, skill level, and market conditions. For remote or hybrid positions, the listed pay range applies to applicants in the specified location.

About GFS

Global Finishing Solutions is the leading manufacturer of paint booths and finishing systems serving automotive, aerospace, industrial manufacturing, marine, military, rail, trucking, and wood finishing markets. We specialize in building custom solutions that meet each customer's unique needs—and we do it with a team that thrives on collaboration and innovation because we're different.

What makes us different is our unwavering commitment to our core values of family, respect, partnership, improvement, and integrity. We are a family-oriented organization that still values the little things, creating a workplace where you can thrive, fairness guides every decision, and collaboration drives shared success. Small town in spirit but big-hearted in impact, here you're not just joining a company—you're joining a team that grows together, celebrates together, and builds lasting value together. That's the difference. Join us.

Equal Opportunity Employer

GFS is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Employment offers are subject to successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and physicals, consistent with applicable laws.

Note to recruiters: GFS only works with agencies that have signed a contract with our HR team. Resumes sent directly to hiring managers without a prior agreement are considered unsolicited and the property of GFS. Placement fees will not be paid without a formal contract.