Senior Manager, Manufacturing Operations

In this critical leadership role, you will be responsible for the daily execution and long‑term success of a manufacturing operation, leading cross‑functional teams, advancing Lean initiatives, developing future leaders, and delivering operational results that directly impact our business. If you are passionate about continuous improvement, people development, and creating world‑class manufacturing environments, we would love to hear from you. Position Senior Manager, Manufacturing Operations Location USA, Louisville, KY How You’ll Create Possibilities Lead Manufacturing Operations Provide overall leadership for a manufacturing area, driving performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and culture. Develop and execute annual operational plans aligned with plant and business objectives. Lead, coach, and support both salaried and hourly team members to achieve operational goals. Monitor production performance, identify opportunities, and drive rapid issue resolution through structured problem‑solving. Ensure adherence to Lean manufacturing principles, standardized work, and escalation processes. Manage departmental metrics, budgets, and operational reporting. Establish a disciplined operating rhythm through daily performance reviews and leadership engagement. Drive consistency, stability, and compliance through robust standardized work practices. Coach leaders and team members on training effectiveness, job instruction methods, and operational excellence. Maintain and continuously improve 5S standards throughout the manufacturing area. Champion Continuous Improvement Embed the Appliance Production System and continuous improvement mindset into daily operations. Lead efforts to identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste, and improve productivity. Facilitate root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions. Partner with cross‑functional teams, including Lean resources, to resolve operational challenges. Drive Kaizen events and ensure improvement actions are sustained over time. Lead issue management processes, assigning ownership and ensuring timely closure. Optimize workflow and labor utilization through tools such as Yamazumi charts and line balancing techniques. Develop and Inspire Teams Lead and develop a cross‑functional manufacturing organization focused on engagement, accountability, and results. Set clear expectations and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development opportunities. Partner with Human Resources on performance management, succession planning, and talent development initiatives. Address employee relations matters with consistency, professionalism, and fairness. Recruit, allocate, and develop talent to support operational needs. Mentor emerging leaders and build organizational capability for the future. Drive Quality Excellence Ensure products are manufactured to specification and meet customer expectations. Maintain compliance with Manufacturing Control Plans and quality standards. Monitor quality performance metrics and drive rapid resolution of defects. Partner with Engineering and Quality teams to implement preventive actions and improve product performance. Lead scrap reduction initiatives and drive sustainable quality improvements. Improve key performance indicators including First Pass Yield, Overall Yield, and Service Call Rate. Foster a World‑Class Safety Culture Own safety performance and results for the manufacturing area. Promote a proactive safety culture through audits, observations, training, and employee engagement. Ensure compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Lead accident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation. Drive closure of safety action items resulting from incidents, near misses, and ergonomic assessments. Champion a culture where safety is embedded in every aspect of daily operations. What You’ll Bring to Our Team Required Qualifications 7+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, supplier management, or project implementation environments. Strong operational leadership experience with demonstrated success driving results through people and process improvements. Experience leading cross‑functional teams and delivering measurable business outcomes. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field. Graduate of a Supply Chain Development Program (SCDP) or similar leadership development program. Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, DMAIC, Kaizen, Workout, or other continuous improvement methodologies. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification. Excellent communication, coaching, and leadership skills. Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities. Demonstrated success leading change, improving operational performance, and developing high‑performing teams. Working Environment You will work in both an office and manufacturing plant setting. GE Appliances is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. GE Appliances participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply, please send an e‑mail to View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr