Head of Operations & Business Management

The Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and performance of Microbest's three-shift precision manufacturing operation. Reporting directly to the CEO, this position provides hands-on leadership for production and maintenance operations, ensuring that safety, quality, productivity, equipment reliability, and customer delivery objectives are consistently achieved.
This is not a desk-based management position. The Operations Manager is expected to be a visible leader who spends the majority of each workday on the manufacturing floor, working alongside supervisors and employees to solve problems, remove obstacles, improve communication, and ensure production goals are met.
The Operations Manager leads Production Supervisors, Department Leads, EH&S Coordinator and the Maintenance Department while partnering closely with Engineering, Quality, Planning, Human Resources, and to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Manufacturing Operations
Lead and oversee daily manufacturing operations across a three-shift production facility.
Ensure production schedules, quality standards, and customer delivery requirements are consistently achieved.
Monitor daily production performance and address operational issues in a timely manner.
Lead daily production meetings and communicate operational priorities with supervisors and department leaders.
Ensure adequate staffing and resources are available to support production requirements across all shifts.
Maintain strong communication between shifts to ensure operational continuity.
Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and accountability for Production Supervisors, Department leads, and the Maintenance Team.
Monitor production schedules and ensure customer delivery requirements are achieved.
Work closely with production supervisors to address staffing, equipment, and workflow issues.
Help identify production bottlenecks and implement practical solutions.
Promote accountability, teamwork, and effective communication throughout the operation.
Assist with employee development and training initiatives.
Participate in performance improvement discussions with supervisors as needed.
Work closely with the Maintenance Department to minimize equipment downtime and improve machine reliability.
Support planning and execution of equipment upgrades, repairs, and capital improvement projects.
Promote proactive maintenance practices that maximize equipment performance and availability.
Continuous Improvement
Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
Recommend process improvements that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Planning, and Human Resources to resolve production issues.
Support Engineering during new product launches and process improvements.
Help ensure production changes are communicated effectively across departments.
Quality and Safety
Ensure compliance with company quality standards, operating procedures, and customer requirements.
Partner with the Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator to maintain OSHA compliance and continually improve workplace safety.
Ensure housekeeping and workplace organization standards are maintained throughout the facility.
Reporting and Operational Performance
Monitor manufacturing performance metrics and recommend actions to improve results.
Prepare reports related to production performance, labor utilization, equipment performance, and operational efficiency.
Employee coaching
Performance feedback
Training support
Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or a related field is preferred. Demonstrated experience leading production in a multi-shift manufacturing environment.
Experience in CNC machining, precision manufacturing, aerospace, firearms, defense, or other high-volume precision manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success improving productivity, efficiency, quality, and employee performance.
Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives preferred.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
Strong understanding of production scheduling, manufacturing processes, equipment utilization, and workflow optimization.
Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to regularly walk throughout the manufacturing facility.
Ability to stand and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
Ability to safely work around manufacturing equipment.
Ability to support operations across all three shifts as business needs require.
This position operates in a fast-paced precision manufacturing facility that runs three shifts. The Operations Manager is expected to spend the majority of each workday on the manufacturing floor working directly with supervisors, maintenance personnel, and employees to ensure safe, efficient, and productive operations.
Performance Expectations
Achieve production and customer delivery goals.
Reduce scrap, rework, and equipment downtime.
Improve equipment reliability through effective maintenance leadership.
Drive measurable continuous improvement throughout the operation.
Build a culture focused on operational excellence, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Annual Performance Bonus: Eligible for a target bonus of up to 20% based on individual and company performance.