Operations Manager

Job Title: Operations Manager

Job Description

The Operations Manager leads manufacturing operations to achieve high standards in safety, quality, customer service, productivity, and cost performance. This role drives continuous improvement using Lean manufacturing principles and data analysis, builds a collaborative and accountable work culture, and serves as a catalyst for change to enhance overall business performance. The Operations Manager oversees day-to-day production activities, develops workforce strategies, and partners cross-functionally to support new products, technologies, and long-term operational improvements.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coach the manufacturing team to consistently meet safety, quality, customer service, productivity, and cost objectives.

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives by leading and supporting cross-functional projects, workshops, and improvement activities.

• Utilize Lean manufacturing principles and data analysis to improve process stability, eliminate inefficiencies, and drive operational excellence.

• Create, maintain, and execute value stream strategies that support long-term operational improvements and business goals.

• Manage day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure production targets, customer commitments, and quality expectations are achieved.

• Coordinate labor, equipment, and production schedules to maximize efficiency and optimize resource utilization.

• Develop workforce strategies focused on hiring, training, succession planning, and employee growth and engagement.

• Monitor key operational metrics, implement corrective actions when needed, and maintain visual management systems to track performance.

• Identify and implement process enhancements that increase throughput, improve quality, and support changing production demands.

• Maintain accountability for departmental financial performance, including budget management and cost control initiatives.

• Lead employee performance management efforts through coaching, mentoring, feedback, and development planning.

• Support the introduction of new products, technologies, and manufacturing processes into the operation.

• Maintain a strong floor presence, engaging directly with employees to solve problems, remove obstacles, and drive continuous improvement.

• Lead and develop a team of 5–6 Production Supervisors, providing clear direction, support, and performance expectations.

• Partner cross-functionally with Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and HR teams to achieve operational and site objectives.

• Support project execution, cost reduction initiatives, and operational performance improvements across the facility.

• Work closely with the Plant Manager to align operations with site goals and strategic priorities.

• Monitor staffing levels, productivity, and operational metrics to improve overall business performance and responsiveness.

• Lead continuous improvement efforts while maintaining a strong and visible presence on the shop floor.

• Serve as a catalyst for change by identifying opportunities to reduce waste and enhance overall business performance.

Essential Skills

• 4-year degree in an Engineering or Business-related field.

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations or a distribution environment.

• 3+ years of experience in a leadership position within operations or manufacturing.

• Proven experience working in a Lean environment.

• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes and operations management.

• Ability to develop and implement corrective action plans to address performance and quality issues.

• Demonstrated supervision and team leadership skills, including coaching and mentoring.

• Knowledge of process improvement concepts and the ability to adapt to new processes.

• Data-driven decision-making skills with the ability to analyze operational metrics and drive improvements.

• Strong focus on safety, quality, and operational discipline.

• High level of ownership, accountability, and self-motivation.

• Ability to build collaborative, cross-functional relationships with key stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in CNC machining or machine shop operations.

• Metal stamping environments.

• Exposure to coating or finishing processes.

• Experience in assembly manufacturing operations.

Work Environment

This role is highly hands-on, with most time spent at a desk located on the manufacturing floor and regularly engaging with production teams. The Operations Manager works cross-functionally with Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and HR in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment. The setting includes shop floor operations such as press operations and assembly, with an emphasis on Lean practices, continuous improvement, and strong collaboration across departments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Cleveland, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $130000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Medical, dental, and vision plans along with flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability benefits, critical illness, accident insurance and life insurance. A 401(k) retirement plan and an employee stock purchase plan — both include a company match. Other supplemental benefits may include tuition reimbursement, caregiver, personal and parental leave, back-up care services, paid time off including volunteer time, a well-being program, and/or legal & identity theft protection.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Cleveland,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.