Manufacturing Operations Team Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Operations Lead

Location: Kansas City, KS ( Position is based on site at company's Kansas City, KS manufacturing facility)

Reports To: Director of Operations

Position Summary

The company is seeking a high-impact Operations Leader to scale and standardize a highperforming, multi-site operation. This position will build the next level of operational excellence across our network, driving consistency, velocity, and customer-centric execution. 

Operating at the intersection of distribution, application engineering support, and manufacturing environments (plastics/rubber), this role will ensure the company continues to deliver tailored solutions, trusted service, and performance in the toughest applications. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all manufacturing functions including, warehousing, distribution, and logistics ensuring production schedules are met with efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery
• Drive manufacturing strategy aligned with the company’s growth and acquisition objectives
• Lead integration efforts for newly acquired manufacturing companies, ensuring alignment of processes, systems, and performance standards
• Implement and sustain Lean, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Optimize production flow, labor utilization, cost structure, and throughput
• Build and standardize scalable manufacturing processes across the organization
• Partner cross-functionally with supply chain, engineering, sales, and leadership teams
• Establish and drive KPI accountability across manufacturing operations
• Lead, develop, and strengthen manufacturing teams, building a high-performance culture
• Identify and implement automation and process improvements
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards 

Required Qualifications 

• Proven experience leading manufacturing operations, ideally in multi-site or growth-oriented environments
• Strong background in manufacturing environments including plastics, rubber molding, and/or die converting
• Demonstrated experience running production schedules and plant operations
• Deep experience in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and supply chain logistics
• Hands-on experience with MRP systems (JobBOSS, BILL, or similar platforms required)
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Six Sigma Black Belt required
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, drive change, and enforce accountability
• Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Track record of scaling operations and driving measurable cost savings and servicelevel improvements
• Experience integrating acquisitions and standardizing operations preferred
• Background in process automation and operational technology preferred
• Experience in high-mix, multi-industry manufacturing environments preferred
• Executive level communication and presentation skills
• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field required.
• Ability to travel approximately 25% (depending on location and integration needs)
• Position is based on site at the company's Kansas City manufacturing facility