Manufacturing Operations Manager

This is an onsite, in-person position located at Mylar Specialty Films - 5401 Route 1, Richmond VA 23234 (inside the DuPont Manufacturing Facility in Richmond).

About the role

The Operations Manager is responsible for implementing operations strategy developed by the Leadership Team. This role focuses on developing and maintaining daily work processes to achieve KPIs, ensuring coordinated operations with available resources, and driving operational excellence. The Operations Manager leads a team of 6 direct reports (Supervisors and a Training Specialist) and supports approximately 60 operators across three operating areas. Most operators and supervisors work rotating shift schedules. The Operations Manager typically works Monday–Friday days and provides on-call support as needed.

Responsibilities

Routine Activities

• Ensure resources, raw materials, and supplies are available for unit operation.
• Translate department strategy into operating plans and execute the annual operating plan from the Manufacturing Director.
• Drive development and engagement of operators and supervisors.
• Review daily KPIs and gaps with the team; assign ownership for each target to minimize gaps.
• Plan emerging needs and non-routine operations activities.
• Communicate support needs from Maintenance and Engineers to minimize downtime.
• Reinforce Safety, Quality, Reliability, and Engagement (SQRE) plans through walk-throughs and feedback to the core team.

Ad-hoc Activities

• Coordinate with the Technology Manager to remove technical roadblocks.
• Foster best practices implementation across all units.
• Administer process safety requirements (e.g., MOC, PHA, PSSR).

Overarching Activities

• Ensure an effective Conduct of Operations system for flawless daily execution.
• Drive consistent and proactive improvement.
• Provide timely and thoughtful responses to escalation issues.

Decision Authorities

• Decide what work is brought in and out of the 24/7 team.
• Direct escalation resources to resolve issues outside the skills/scopes of the 24/7 team.
• Ensure the 24/7 teams have resources, supplies, raw materials, and technology to meet daily activities.
• Shut down or delay startup of equipment if unable to operate safely/reliably under SOP, SOC, Quality, or Environmental plans.
• Escalate unresolved issues regarding key activities of SQRE.
• Oversee employee performance rewards, improvements, or terminations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, and 3+ years of leadership experience.
• In lieu of a degree, 10+ years of manufacturing or industrial operations experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role managing supervisors or frontline leaders.
• Ability to motivate others to achieve core principles and drive engagement and employee development.
• Understanding of unit needs, strategy, and business objectives.
• Root cause analysis skills and ability to make decisions and prioritize.