Operations Manager (REQ906)

About the role

The Operations Manager will lead and manage an assigned shift or production area at Spartech’s Manitowoc, WI facility. The role is responsible for delivering safety, quality, output, cost, and delivery results while providing hands‑on leadership to a team of technicians and operators. The manager partners with safety, maintenance, materials, quality, and engineering functions to resolve issues quickly and achieve site goals.

Responsibilities

• Champion a strong safety culture by enforcing standards, leading safety audits, responding to incidents, and driving actions that reduce risk and eliminate injuries.
• Lead regular performance reviews and status updates with leadership and cross‑functional partners.
• Ensure SOPs and training plans are developed and executed.
• Drive the team to achieve monthly output, customer service, and cost targets, aligning individual goals to customer‑centric metrics.
• Uphold quality standards and systems, support ISO (or equivalent) requirements, and reduce cost of quality and defects by building quality into production.
• Manage shift staffing, work assignments, training plans, overtime, and coverage to sustain performance.
• Conduct performance reviews for direct reports, recommend wage increases and promotions, identify developmental needs, and handle disciplinary discussions as required.
• Maintain accurate production, quality, and safety records and communicate clearly with internal customers, peers, and leadership.
• Train personnel on critical systems such as SAP, eMaint, MeasurLink, and Acadia.
• Drive continuous improvement using structured methods (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, structured problem‑solving, TPM) and lead or support projects that improve safety, quality, cost, equipment availability, and throughput.
• Provide direct leadership, coaching, training, and development to technicians and operators, setting clear expectations and building a high‑performing, accountable team.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including regular on‑site attendance and shift schedules as needed.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in the manufacturing industry.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing direct reports and providing leadership.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and incentive programs.
• Most benefits start on day one.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company‑paid life insurance, long‑term and short‑term disability.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) with a strong matching program.
• 120 hours of paid time off (pro‑rated based on hire date).
• 11 paid holidays.