Operations Manager

Operations ManagerThe Operations Manager is responsible for leading daily plant operations in a high-volume Tier 1/Tier 2 automotive manufacturing environment. This role drives operational excellence across production, quality, safety, cost, and delivery performance, while supporting strategic initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.The position serves as the Plant Manager's key operational partner and acts as the primary leader for manufacturing execution, workforce management, and lean transformation.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipOversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDIPC) targetsLead production, maintenance, logistics, and engineering functions to ensure seamless plant performanceDrive adherence to production schedules and customer delivery requirementsAct as Plant Manager in their absenceContinuous Improvement & Lean ManufacturingChampion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and CI initiatives (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, standard work)Identify and execute productivity improvements, waste reduction, and cost-saving initiativesLead root cause analysis and corrective actions for operational issuesEstablish a culture of accountability and continuous improvementQuality & Customer PerformanceEnsure compliance with IATF 16949 / ISO quality standardsDrive internal and external quality performance, including PPM reduction and customer satisfactionPartner with quality teams on audits, containment, and corrective actionsSupport APQP, PPAP, and launch activitiesSafety & CompliancePromote a zero-incident safety culture and ensure compliance with all Federal, State, Local, and Company HSEQ regulations.Lead safety programs, audits, and corrective actionsEnsure environmental and regulatory complianceMaintain Alkegen's highest level of safety standards on site including identifying and correcting unsafe conditions and unsafe acts. Will embody Alkegen's core safety principles including but not limited to The Seven Safety Absolutes, use of PPE, and Safe Standards of Work at all times.Team Leadership & DevelopmentLead, coach, and develop a team of supervisors, managers, and department leadersDrive employee engagement, accountability, and performance managementSupport workforce planning, training, and succession planningConduct monthly one-on-one coaching sessions with direct reports and complete annual performance appraisalsFoster a positive labor relations environment (union experience)Financial & Business PerformanceManage plant operating budgets and drive cost control initiativesAnalyze KPIs and financial metrics to improve plant profitabilitySupport capital investment planning and executionOptimize labor efficiency and resource utilizationNew Program Launch & Engineering SupportSupport new product launches and capacity expansionsCollaborate with engineering and program management teams to meet timing and cost targetsEnsure smooth ramp-up and operational readinessKey Performance Indicators (KPIs)Safety (Gembas, BSO, Recordables, Lost Time Incidents)On-time delivery (OTIF)InventoryScrap and PPM ratesOEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)Labor efficiency and productivityCost performance vs. budgetQualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field requiredExperience7 to 10 years of experience in automotive manufacturing (Tier 1 preferred)5+ years in leadership roles within plant operationsUnion environment experienceStrong background in lean manufacturing and continuous improvementLaunch experience with all customers with an automotive OEM customer focusSkills & CompetenciesStrong leadership and team-building capabilitiesDeep understanding of automotive quality systems (IATF 16949)Proven ability to drive operational performance and cultural changeExcellent problem-solving and decision-making skillsFinancial acumen and data-driven mindsetSix Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt)Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skillsSalary Range: 115k-143kIf you are interested in being part of a world class manufacturing function here at Alkegen then we would love to hear from you.At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people – ALL PEOPLE – breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world.Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran's status, or any other protected class.