Operations Manager

Operations Manager

A well-established Midwest metal fabricator is seeking a hands-on Operations Manager to lead a growing power grid manufacturing operation in the Western St. Louis region.

This business is entering a major expansion cycle, supported by increased production capacity, strong customer demand, and significant new contract opportunities. The Operations Manager will play a central role in scaling the operation while strengthening safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and employee accountability. This is a highly visible, on-site leadership position reporting directly to the General Manager.

The Operations Manager will oversee the daily performance of a metal fabrication facility producing metal fabricated components for the power grid market. The operation includes:

• Laser cutting
• CNC machining
• Press brake forming
• MIG and TIG welding
• Powder coating and finishing
• Assembly
• Material handling
• Shipping and logistics
• Outside processing and subcontracted operations

The right leader will be comfortable spending time on the manufacturing floor, developing supervisors and hourly employees, solving problems at the source, and driving measurable operational improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide overall leadership and direction for plant operations
• Lead production, maintenance, quality, logistics, and supporting functions
• Establish a strong culture of safety, accountability, and employee engagement
• Oversee production scheduling, labor planning, material flow, and equipment utilization
• Ensure customer expectations are met for safety, quality, cost, and on-time delivery
• Monitor and improve operational KPIs, including OEE, scrap, labor efficiency, throughput, and delivery
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, 5S, standardized work, and continuous improvement
• Improve workflow, capacity utilization, and manufacturing efficiency
• Recruit, develop, coach, and hold supervisory and hourly employees accountable
• Partner with engineering, supply chain, quality, and business development
• Support customer qualification, launch, and problem-resolution activities
• Coordinate outside suppliers and processors to maintain production schedules
• Participate in budgeting and control manufacturing costs
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, employment, and other regulatory requirements

The company emphasizes full operational leadership across metal fabrication processes, safety leadership, KPI management, continuous improvement, employee development, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and coordination with outside processors and suppliers.

Ideal Background:

• Seven or more years of progressive manufacturing experience
• At least three years of plant, production, or operations leadership experience
• Experience within metal fabrication, heavy manufacturing, electrical equipment, transformers, or a related industry
• Strong knowledge of welding, machining, forming, fabrication, coating, and assembly operations
• Hands-on leadership style with a track record of developing people and improving performance
• Experience using Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement tools
• Ability to interpret operational data and convert it into action
• Familiarity with ERP systems and Microsoft Office
• Strong communication, decision-making, and organizational skills
• Bachelor's degree preferred, although equivalent manufacturing leadership experience will be considered

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join a stable manufacturer with more than four decades of operating history
• Lead a business segment positioned for substantial growth
• Work directly with a respected General Manager
• Help scale an operation serving the expanding power grid and transformer market
• Gain meaningful influence over people, processes, capacity, and capital priorities
• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 401(k) match, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, and an employee assistance program

This position does not offer employment visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.