Operations Manager
Duties And Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Lead daily production operations across multiple assembly lines and shifts
Ensure safe, efficient, and quality-focused execution of production plans
Drive structured escalation and resolution of downtime, quality issues, and production disruptions
Maintain strong leadership presence on the production floor
Performance Management
Drive performance across key metrics including quality (C/1000), labor, manufacturing overhead, scrap, downtime, and absenteeism
Lead daily performance reviews and enforce accountability across all levels
Identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions
Financial Management
Manage labor performance including staffing levels and overtime
Drive cost control initiatives related to scrap, labor efficiency, and overhead
Support capital planning and ensure alignment with operational priorities
Ensure effective labor absorption and cost discipline across shifts
Engagement
Lead and develop Center Managers, superintendents, and production supervisors
Establish clear expectations and accountability across all leadership levels
Coach and develop leaders to strengthen decision-making and execution
Drive employee engagement in a UAW-represented environment
Partner with HR on workforce matters
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance
Align resources to support production demands and launches
Drive cross-functional problem solving and issue resolution
Continuous Improvement
Lead initiatives to improve quality, labor efficiency, and throughput
Drive implementation of poka-yoke and process discipline
Use data and root cause analysis to eliminate recurring issues
Escalation & Crisis Management
Lead structured response to line-down situations and production interruptions
Ensure timely escalation and communication to leadership
Support customer communication during critical events
Education And Experience
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, or related field preferred
7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing
Experience in a unionized (UAW) environment required
Strong knowledge of high-volume assembly operations
Proven ability to lead through multiple layers of leadership
Strong business acumen and understanding of plant financial drivers