Operations Manager

About Komline

As a pioneering leader in advanced separation technologies, Komline has established a global reputation for engineering excellence. Through our combination of innovative design, cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities, and decades of industry experience, we consistently deliver the highest quality equipment from our integrated manufacturing facilities. Serving our core markets of Water & Process, Agricultural & Renewables, and Industrials, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive separation solutions precisely tailored to our clients' requirements. With a strong track record of strategic growth and acquisitions, Komline continues to expand its solution portfolio and technical capabilities while maintaining our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

This Opportunity

The Operations Manager leads day-to-day operations at the Sparta facility, from order intake through fabrication, quality, and shipment. This leader owns safety, on-time delivery, quality, cost, and inventory performance. The role builds a skilled, engaged team and partners with sales, engineering, and customer service to meet custom and replacement-media commitments.

This description outlines key responsibilities and qualifications, it may not encompass all aspects of the role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Directs all daily operations of the Sparta facility, including production, quality, inventory, shipping, receiving, and facility maintenance.
• Promotes a strong safety culture and ensures compliance with OSHA and company safety policies; leads safety meetings, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
• Plans and schedules production of filter cloths and belts to meet customer delivery dates and quoted lead times.
• Reviews customer orders, specifications, and drawings to ensure fabrication requirements are accurate before production begins.
• Monitors and reports key performance indicators such as on-time delivery, productivity, scrap, and rework; develops plans to improve results.
• Establishes and maintains quality standards, inspection procedures, and work instructions; leads root-cause analysis and corrective action for quality issues and customer complaints.
• Manages raw material and finished goods inventory to support customer demand while controlling costs.
• Works with Purchasing to ensure material availability and supplier performance.
• Ensures accurate job, inventory, and labor transactions in Microsoft Dynamics 365.
• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates operations staff; provides coaching, development, and cross-training to build team capability.
• Partners with Human Resources on performance management, employee relations, and engagement initiatives.
• Develops and manages the operating budget, staffing plan, and capital expenditure requests.
• Leads continuous improvement and lean initiatives to improve workflow, efficiency, and material utilization.
• Collaborates with Sales, Customer Service, and Engineering on quotes, lead times, and customer requirements.
• Oversees equipment maintenance, facility upkeep, and vendor service contracts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 7+ years of manufacturing or fabrication experience, including 3+ years supervising production teams
• Hands-on experience with custom, made-to-order, or job-shop production
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements and a track record of improving safety performance
• Experience with an ERP system (Microsoft Dynamics 365 preferred) and strong Excel skills
• Ability to read drawings and specifications and translate them into fabrication requirements
• Clear communicator who can lead a shop-floor team and work credibly with sales, engineering, and customers

Preferred Experience:

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) experience
• Industry experience with filter fabrics, technical textiles, industrial belting, or filtration and wastewater equipment
• Experience with sewing, ultrasonic or heat welding, and cutting equipment for fabrics
• Lean manufacturing or continuous-improvement experience; Six Sigma Green Belt a plus
• Experience managing a small site or business unit with P&L or budget accountability

Other: Physical Requirements and Supervisory Duties:

• Primary work location is Sparta, NJ
• Ability to sit, stand, stoop, working primarily in an office environment and traversing shop floor with machinery noise and moving material.
• Regularly stands, walks, bends, and reaches; lifts up to 50 lbs, with assistance or equipment for heavier rolls and belts
• This position will be responsible for developing direct reports

Equal Opportunity Statement: Komline is an EEO employer - M/F/Vets/Disabled