Operations Manager

About the role

This position provides overall leadership, development, and supervision of the Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Materials departments with a focus on ensuring the production schedule is executed for completion in a timely manner, within all quality parameters. The role also secures assigned commodities on a JIT basis, ensuring compliance with all applicable requirements and specifications in accordance with company policies, principles, and procedures.

Key Deliverables

• Drive new and fast-growing technologies to upgrade our manufacturing process.
• Manage production and assembly activities in compliance with company policy and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure production performance and quality are met.
• Ensure a healthy and safe working environment, in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Oversee employees and training for production and facility-related processes.

Responsibilities

• Ensure people and resources are applied efficiently and effectively to meet delivery requirements while achieving quality, safety, and operating procedure standards.
• Review performance against operating plans and standards; provide feedback and approve changes to plans.
• Develop short-term and long-term plans and programs, including supporting budget requests and financial estimates.
• Review and approve cost control reports, cost estimates, and forecasts for manpower and facility requirements.
• Manage work order closures and stock control transactions.
• Enable effective communications between management and operators.
• Train new and coach/develop existing Production Managers.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Direct production resources toward the completion of strategic objectives.
• Collaborate across the organization to ensure successful execution of supply chain support on cross-departmental initiatives.
• Determine KPIs and benchmarks for supply chain planning and forecasting.
• Establish integrated processes among purchasing, planning, warehousing, materials control, and outside suppliers to optimize inventory management and performance.
• Develop strategies, policies, and procedures to create a world-class materials management group providing exceptional customer service.
• Identify systems tools needed to implement planning and forecasting systems.
• Lead reengineering efforts related to supply chain planning and execution systems.
• Develop and manage the departmental budget.
• Establish annual goals and objectives, including stretch targets, aligned with corporate objectives.
• Participate in product planning processes to ensure timely acquisition of materials for product launches.
• Analyze market and delivery conditions and production schedules to determine and communicate material availability.
• Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and make necessary system adjustments.
• Participate in project teams involving business process implementation, documentation, and analysis related to Inventory Control.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree preferred in Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent combination of training and experience). Advanced certifications are a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in a heavy manufacturing industry, including purchasing technical, mechanical, or electrical products/materials and commodity items.
• 10+ years of successful supervisory and leadership experience.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, ERP, inventory, ordering, and tracking systems (preferably Microsoft Dynamics AX).
• 10+ years of experience reading and interpreting blueprints and bills of material (BOMs).
• Superior analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to generate product demand forecasts, analyze financial profitability, and manage inventory reporting.
• Skill in working efficiently, accurately, and collaboratively across functions (engineering, sales, parts, and production).
• Ability to maintain positive, constructive, and cooperative working relationships with diverse personalities.
• Commitment to continuous process improvement using lean tools and methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead by example, gain team respect, and communicate with clarity.
• Strong delegation, decision-making, and prioritization skills for impactful department initiatives.
• Ability to successfully collaborate, influence, lead teams, and drive change.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Supervisor and Leadership Expectations

• Oversee the Manufacturing Department, including Production Control, Maintenance, Shop Production Managers, supervisors, and shift leads.
• Coach, manage, and develop staff and team leaders to optimize performance and meet targets.
• Collaborate with Human Resources on employee relations issues, including discipline and development.

Work Environment

The role operates in a shop manufacturing environment with exposures to:

• Moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools, and equipment.
• Vibration, fumes, or airborne particles.
• Motorized vehicles, welding, and machining operations.
• Outside weather conditions and risk of electric shock.
• Varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, and extreme temperatures (very warm or very chilly).
• Loud noise levels consistent with an industrial assembly facility, requiring hearing protection.

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