Manager, Manufacturing Operations

Job Description Job Description Job Summary: The Manager, Manufacturing Operations is responsible for ensuring a safe, compliant, and high‑performance work environment while leading all day‑to‑day production activities. This role drives operational excellence by consistently meeting and exceeding production goals, enforcing rigorous safety and quality standards, and leading continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen efficiency, reliability, and alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives. Responsibilities: Lead production planning, scheduling, and daily operations to ensure capacity alignment, on‑time delivery, and achievement of cost, schedule, and quality targets. Drive a proactive safety culture and ensure full compliance with environmental, safety, and quality management systems through audits, root‑cause analysis, and corrective actions. Ensure workforce readiness by managing staffing levels, overseeing multiple shifts, and developing and mentoring supervisors and team members to meet evolving production demands. Maintain equipment reliability by partnering with maintenance on preventive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and maximize asset performance. Establish and enforce standard work, operating procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent, disciplined operations and audit readiness. Partner cross‑functionally with engineering, quality, supply chain, and maintenance to resolve issues quickly and support seamless execution of production plans. Ensure material availability and inventory optimization by working with supply chain to mitigate shortages and maintain production continuity. Leverage Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), analytics, and digital tools to monitor performance, drive accountability, and implement corrective actions that enhance efficiency and productivity. Lead continuous improvement initiatives including 6S, waste reduction, lean processes, and scrap elimination to drive operational excellence. Communicate operational performance, risks, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and lead organizational change initiatives for new products, processes, and equipment. Manage operational budgets, labor utilization, and cost‑reduction initiatives to ensure financial performance aligns with operating plans. Translate customer requirements and Voice of the Customer feedback into operational improvements that enhance product quality, delivery performance, and overall customer satisfaction. Adhere to federal and state regulations. Adhere to all company policies, processes, and procedures. Performs other duties as requested, directed, or assigned. Predictable and reliable attendance. Position Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field. Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in operations management within a manufacturing environment. Working experience with Quality & Reliability disciplines, including Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Design for Assembly (DFA), Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Six Sigma, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), and Eight Disciplines Problem Solving (8D). Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems required, with PLEX preferred. Knowledge of Technical Specification 16949 (TS 16949) and International Organization for Standardization 14001 (ISO 14001) standards. Prior experience with motor vehicle programs (automotive, heavy truck); PHEV/BEV experience preferred. Ability to manage change, prioritize tasks, and realign resources effectively. Understanding of Theory of Constraints and its practical application. Knowledge of safety, environmental, and facility regulations. Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization, combined with strong proficiency in computer applications and data-driven decision-making. Key Competencies: Focuses on Quality: Drives work results with quality focus in actions and results. Decision Making & Analysis: Makes sound decisions based upon a mixture of data-driven analysis, expertise, experience, and judgment; collects relevant information, seeking input from others, and identifies connections and/or root causes of problems. Continual Improvement: Displays a consistent orientation toward producing the highest quality products or services, while keeping a focus on sustainability. Constantly looking for incremental improvements in work processes and results. Takes Initiative: Exhibits strong drive for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and drives issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition. Delivers Results: Achievement-oriented, feeling a sense of urgency to reach goals on time, if not before. Organization and Planning: Establish a systematic course for self and/or others to assure the accomplishment of objectives. Determines priorities and allocates time and resources effectively. Develops and Manages Employees: Actively develops knowledge, skills, and abilities of employees to leverage high performance. Physical Requirements / Working Conditions: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must be able to perform physical activities such as walking, sitting, reaching, balancing, stooping, and using hands. Work is performed in a manufacturing facility environment. Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or reach overhead. Visual acuity requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment. The noise level in the work environment can be moderately loud. Schedule may vary according to company needs. Why Join Us American Battery Solutions (ABS) provides comprehensive 100% employer paid benefit plans to employees and their family, competitive salary and retirement program. ABS employs a diverse and inclusive workforce. Benefits Overview Paid time off includes 4 weeks, 15 holidays, and parental leave. 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) offerings. Company provided 401K savings plan with immediately vested matching contributions to help you save for retirement. Voluntary benefits offerings. Tuition assistance. Employee Referral Program. Employee development and career growth opportunities. About Us American Battery Solutions Inc. (“ABS”) is a manufacturer of advanced batteries for commercial, fleet, and industrial on- and off-road vehicles. Located in the heart of the U.S. automotive region with facilities in Michigan and Ohio. In 2023, ABS was acquired by Komatsu, a world leader in construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment in support of Komatsu’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal. ABS continues to operate as an independent entity serving Komatsu applications while continuing to expand and grow our core commercial, fleet and industrial business. As we have grown, ABS has assembled a world-class team of dedicated and experienced engineers. This team is equipped with a deep understanding of high-voltage, automotive-grade battery systems from concept development and prototyping, to testing and validation, to high-volume production. We pride ourselves on developing a diverse team of next generation battery experts. The Location – Springboro, OH American Battery Solutions Advanced Battery Manufacturing Center is located in beautiful and historic Springboro Ohio. Life in Springboro is all about the quality and character of our community and that is why Springboro continues to be a top-ten-rated City to live, work, play, and raise a family. In fact, Springboro was rated #3 among the top 10 communities in greater Southwest Ohio. In essence, Springboro appeals to everyone from young families to people looking for the perfect place to retire. Our great neighborhoods, excellent schools, safety, services, and amenities all contribute to Springboro’s exceptional quality of life. Springboro offers a variety of public programming that includes outdoor concerts, festivals, and fireworks. Our residents enjoy bike and walking trails, an 18-hole public golf course, a charming and vibrant historic district, and 501 acres of parks. AMERICAN BATTERY SOLUTIONS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. #LI-BW1