Operations Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDIPC) targets
• Lead production, maintenance, logistics, and engineering functions to ensure seamless plant performance
• Drive adherence to production schedules and customer delivery requirements
• Act as Plant Manager in their absence
• Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing Champion
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and CI initiatives (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, standard work)
• Identify and execute productivity improvements, waste reduction, and cost-saving initiatives
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for operational issues
• Establish a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Quality & Customer Performance
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 / ISO quality standards
• Drive internal and external quality performance, including PPM reduction and customer satisfaction
• Partner with quality teams on audits, containment, and corrective actions
• Support APQP, PPAP, and launch activities
• Safety & Compliance
• Promote a zero-incident safety culture and ensure compliance with all Federal, State, Local, and Company HSEQ regulations
• Lead safety programs, audits, and corrective actions
• Ensure environmental and regulatory compliance
• Maintain Alkegen's highest level of safety standards on site including identifying and correcting unsafe conditions and unsafe acts
• Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of supervisors, managers, and department leaders
• Drive employee engagement, accountability, and performance management
• Support workforce planning, training, and succession planning
• Conduct monthly one-on-one coaching sessions with direct reports and complete annual performance appraisals
• Foster a positive labor relations environment (union experience)
• New Program Launch & Engineering Support
• Support new product launches and capacity expansions
• Collaborate with engineering and program management teams to meet timing and cost targets
• Ensure smooth ramp-up and operational readiness

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field required
• Experience: 7 to 10 years of experience in automotive manufacturing (Tier 1 preferred), 5+ years in leadership roles within plant operations, Union environment experience
• Skills & Competencies: Strong leadership and team-building capabilities, Deep understanding of automotive quality systems (IATF 16949), Proven ability to drive operational performance and cultural change, Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, Financial acumen and data-driven mindset, Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt), Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills