Head of Operations & Business Management

About the Role The Operations Manager leads manufacturing operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of products that meet customer and business requirements. The role provides leadership across production operations and continuous improvement activities while partnering closely with planning, supply chain, engineering, quality, sales, and customer support teams to achieve operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities Lead daily manufacturing operations and production execution to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, productivity, and customer satisfaction objectives, including attainment of production schedules and customer delivery commitments.

Provide leadership, coaching, accountability, and development for supervisors and their teams while fostering a culture of engagement and continuous improvement.

Develop and execute operational strategies that support business objectives, customer requirements, and long‑term growth plans.

Own operational performance metrics including safety, on‑time delivery, labor productivity, inventory accuracy, scrap, rework, and overall operational performance.

Drive operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 80/20, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Ensure appropriate staffing, equipment, and operational resources are available to support manufacturing requirements and changing business demands.

Partner with planning, supply chain, engineering, quality, sales, and customer support teams to align operational priorities, customer commitments, and business objectives.

Establish and maintain standard work, visual controls, and operational procedures that support consistent execution.

Lead employee development through training, coaching, succession planning, and performance management.

Develop and manage departmental budgets, resource plans, and cost‑reduction initiatives to support operational and financial objectives.

Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety requirements, quality standards, customer requirements, company policies, and regulatory obligations.

Lead or support cross‑functional projects and carry out additional responsibilities as needed to support operational and business objectives.

Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Experience managing production operations, planning, inventory, shipping, and operational performance.

Experience driving Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 80/20, or similar continuous improvement initiatives.

Experience working in cleanroom, ISO‑regulated, semiconductor, photonics, optics, aerospace, defense, or other advanced manufacturing environments preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production management, and operational excellence principles.

Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Understanding of production planning, scheduling, inventory management, and material flow concepts.

Strong leadership, coaching, employee development, and team‑building skills.

Ability to interpret operational data and implement effective corrective actions.

Strong organizational, project management, and prioritization skills.

Strong business acumen with the ability to balance operational and financial objectives.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands Work is performed in a combination of office, cleanroom, and manufacturing environments.

Frequent interaction with production personnel and manufacturing operations.

Required use of personal protective equipment, which may include safety glasses, gloves, cleanroom gowning, and other required equipment.

Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and computer use.

Ability to lift and move materials up to 50 lbs as required.

Occasional travel may be required to support business needs.

Additional Requirement Certain positions with IDEX Corporation and its business units require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been granted refugee or asylum status.

IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

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