Manufacturing Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About the Company

We are a growing manufacturer of commercial lighting solutions dedicated to delivering innovative, high-quality products to customers throughout North America. As we continue to expand our manufacturing operations, we are seeking an experienced Operations Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys building efficient processes, developing teams, and driving continuous improvement.

If you're a hands-on leader who enjoys creating operational excellence while developing people and improving performance, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day manufacturing operations, including production, warehouse, inventory, shipping and receiving, purchasing coordination, facilities support, and production planning. This position provides leadership to multiple departments while ensuring operational efficiency, product quality, employee safety, and customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with manufacturing management experience who can balance strategic planning with hands-on operational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to ensure production schedules, quality standards, and customer commitments are achieved.
• Supervise production, warehouse, inventory control, logistics, purchasing, and facilities functions.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that improve productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
• Monitor workflow and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes.
• Partner with department supervisors to establish priorities and resolve operational challenges.
• Analyze production metrics and develop action plans to improve key performance indicators.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, OSHA regulations, and workplace safety standards.
• Develop staffing plans while coaching, mentoring, and evaluating team members.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the operation.
• Coordinate inventory planning to maintain appropriate material levels while minimizing excess inventory.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support production schedules.
• Ensure production equipment and facility resources remain operational through preventive maintenance planning.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and operational planning.
• Promote a culture focused on teamwork, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience in a manufacturing operations leadership role.
• 7+ years of progressive operations or production leadership experience in an electromechanical, electronics, or light industrial assembly environment, including managing managers/supervisors.
• Demonstrated experience building and leading a lean production system: standard work, 5S, value stream mapping, and kaizen event leadership.
• Experience designing and building visual management systems and standard work visual aids — not just using ones someone else created.
• Experience owning production scheduling and Work Order flow at an organizational level; working knowledge of ERP systems (Odoo preferred; any modern system considered).
• Proven ability to operate independently in a startup or greenfield environment — comfortable designing an operating system and a team from scratch.
• Hands-on by nature: this role requires active floor presence and direct engagement with the leadership team, not management from a distance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) or equivalent formal lean training.
• Experience in commercial lighting, LED, or similar electromechanical assembly manufacturing.
• Familiarity with automated or semi-automated production lines, though not responsible for programming or commissioning equipment.
• Familiarity with SMT processes, PCB assembly, or wire harness manufacturing.
• Graphic or visual communication skill (e.g., Visio, Illustrator, Canva, or similar) for building work instruction and standard work visuals.
• Experience managing a multi-shift, multi-line production operation.

What Will Help You Succeed

Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• A collaborative leadership style.
• Sound business judgment and decision-making.
• A continuous improvement mindset.
• High attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities.
• The ability to adapt to changing business priorities.
• A commitment to workplace safety and quality.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance

Work Environment

This position primarily works within a manufacturing and warehouse environment with regular interaction on the production floor.

The employee may occasionally be required to:

• Stand or walk for extended periods.
• Lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Bend, reach, climb stairs, and perform other physical activities consistent with manufacturing operations.
• Use computers and standard office equipment throughout the workday.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during any stage of the hiring process are encouraged to notify the Company. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law.

Fair Chance Hiring

Consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the California Fair Chance Act and other applicable laws.

Join Our Team

If you are an experienced manufacturing leader who enjoys building high-performing teams, improving operational efficiency, and making a meaningful impact within a growing organization, we encourage you to apply.

Bring your leadership, operational expertise, and passion for continuous improvement to an organization where your contributions will help shape the future of our manufacturing operations.