Manufacturing Operations Manager -- Lean & Continuous Improvement

Job Description

Job Description

Step into the flow of production

When you arrive, the production board is already alive with activity. You review schedules, scan quality metrics, and sync with engineering, procurement, and logistics to keep orders moving. You plan the work, organize people and resources, and coordinate every manufacturing operation to achieve efficient, on-time output. Throughout the day you remove bottlenecks, coach supervisors, monitor costs, and drive process improvements that raise productivity and quality while maintaining a safe, compliant environment.

What you will lead

• Translate demand into executable production plans and timelines to deliver projects on schedule.
• Build and develop a high-performing team: determine staffing needs; interview, hire, and onboard; and ensure ongoing training and capability-building.
• Equip employees with the tools, resources, and skills required to perform safely and effectively.
• Set departmental goals, KPIs, and procedures in partnership with the team; review progress and adjust as needed.
• Champion a safe workplace and a culture of continuous improvement across all processes.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and external standards/regulations, including OH&S, environmental requirements, employment laws, and ISO frameworks.
• Partner with other local and international Powell Manufacturing Managers to exchange best practices and align on global standards.
• Manage budgets and spending, meeting established financial targets and cost objectives.
• Lead change across all levels of the department to implement process enhancements.
• Prepare the workforce for ongoing ISO system audits; monitor resources and shipments; lead and conduct effective meetings.
• Complete administrative activities that uphold HR and Quality system compliance.
• Continually reinforce behaviors that sustain a continuous improvement mindset.

Your background

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (or equivalent experience).
• 8–10 years of leadership experience in manufacturing and/or construction environments.
• Solid technical understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Working knowledge of OH&S, environmental regulations, and employment law.
• Applied exposure to Lean Manufacturing, TPS, or similar continuous improvement systems (asset).
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical capabilities; adept at problem-solving in a fast-paced setting.
• Clear, concise communicator in both written and verbal English.
• Dependable, accountable leader with proven ability to collaborate and earn trust.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a healthy, respectful manner.

How you operate

• Welcome constructive feedback and turn it into action.
• Live Powell’s core values daily: Customer First, Can-Do Attitude, Respect for Employees, and Commitment to Improve.
• Support equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all.
• Stay composed under pressure and respond professionally in every circumstance.
• See through the customer’s eyes; anticipate needs; exceed expectations; build long-term partnerships.
• Mobilize people across the organization; persist through obstacles to achieve objectives.
• Think long-term and act as a catalyst for change.
• Balance the needs of your group with the broader organization’s priorities.
• Prioritize effectively, set clear courses of action, and track progress.
• Exercise sound judgment to make well-informed decisions.
• Encourage learning and development; broaden capabilities via special and cross-functional assignments.
• Communicate complex or technical concepts in clear, straightforward language.
• Collaborate effectively in a matrixed environment and help everyone operate as one team.
• Hold yourself and others accountable for results.
• Adapt quickly to shifting priorities and new responsibilities; manage multiple tasks at once.
• Use data to spot trends, diagnose issues, and surface solutions.

Proficiencies you bring

• Leadership and people management
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)
• Continuous improvement
• Manufacturing Instruction (MI)
• Supervisory experience
• Production optimization
• Lean manufacturing principles
• ISO 9001 certification experience
• Operational metrics and KPI management
• Production planning and scheduling
• Budgeting and forecasting experience
• ISO 14001 certification experience

Note: This description highlights the essential functions of the role and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, tasks, or duties.