Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence across the organization. This role is responsible for overseeing production planning, scheduling, team leadership, continuous improvement initiatives, financial performance, quality, and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a data-driven mindset, and experience managing manufacturing or distribution operations while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily operational activities to ensure efficient, safe, and effective business performance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company goals and objectives.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee production planning and scheduling to align customer demand, production capacity, material availability, and business objectives.
• Coordinate with planning and scheduling teams to optimize workflow, inventory levels, resource utilization, and on-time delivery.
• Serve as a backup for planning and scheduling functions as needed to ensure continuity of operations.
• Ensure operational processes effectively support customer requirements and business growth.

Data Analysis & Performance Management

• Analyze operational, production, labor, quality, and financial data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Utilize KPIs and reporting tools to evaluate operational performance and support informed decision-making.
• Develop and implement action plans to improve productivity, quality, cost efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop supervisors and operational team members.
• Establish performance expectations and conduct regular performance evaluations.
• Promote employee engagement, accountability, and a positive workplace culture.
• Support workforce planning, employee training, and succession planning initiatives.
• Ensure planning and scheduling activities support production, inventory, and customer service objectives.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Standardize operational processes and ensure adherence to best practices.
• Drive corrective actions and process improvements based on operational performance.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets.
• Monitor operating expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Optimize the utilization of labor, materials, and equipment.
• Support business planning, forecasting, and operational budgeting activities.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and workplace safety standards.
• Support quality management systems and corrective action processes.
• Conduct operational audits and inspections.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, compliance, and continuous risk mitigation.

Customer & Stakeholder Support

• Collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders to meet customer expectations.
• Resolve operational issues affecting quality, delivery, or customer satisfaction.
• Communicate operational performance, improvement initiatives, and business results to leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in operations, manufacturing, distribution, or business management.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams, operational performance, and production environments.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of KPI management, production planning, scheduling, and operational reporting.
• Financial and budget management experience.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Core Competencies

• Operations Management
• Manufacturing Leadership
• Production Planning & Scheduling
• KPI & Performance Management
• Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma
• Continuous Improvement
• Budgeting & Cost Control
• Team Leadership & Employee Development
• ERP Systems
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Customer Focus
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently walk throughout manufacturing, warehouse, and office environments.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while supporting production operations.
• Ability to occasionally climb stairs, ladders, and elevated platforms.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds (greater lifting with assistance).
• Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to visually inspect equipment, products, and work areas.
• Ability to communicate effectively in manufacturing and office environments.
• Comfortable working around manufacturing equipment, noise, varying temperatures, dust, and other industrial conditions while using appropriate PPE.
• Ability to travel between departments, facilities, customers, or suppliers as business needs require.