Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Manufacturing & Distribution

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Reports To: Ownership (VP Operations / COO and President)

Interested in this role You can find all the relevant information in the description below.

About Us

Ardex is a privately owned manufacturer of automotive detailing chemicals serving professional users through a combination of direct sales and independent distributors. Our product portfolio includes cleaners, soaps, dressings, waxes, compounds, and related accessories such as brushes, towels, and applicators.

The operations at our corporate headquarters combines chemical manufacturing, quality control, warehousing, and distribution. We supply a diverse customer base ranging from individual sales representatives stocked weekly with box trucks to remote distribution points to large factory and independent distributors requiring full truckload shipments and LTL. We are seeking an Operations Manager to lead and improve our manufacturing and distribution operations while helping build the next generation of operational processes, systems, and leadership within the organization.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of production, warehousing, inventory management, shipping, and logistics activities. This individual will work closely with ownership and department leaders across Formulation, Quality Control, Sales, Purchasing, and Accounting to ensure products are manufactured efficiently, inventory is properly managed, and customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys identifying problems, implementing practical solutions, improving processes, developing people, and creating structure in a growing manufacturing environment.

Success in this position will require a balance of hands-on operational leadership, analytical thinking, data-driven approach, continuous improvement, and the ability to influence positive change throughout the organization. This position will require moderate time on the floor to learn, inspect, and understand how our products are made and managed throughout the operation. This position will not exist solely in the office, so you must be comfortable working around and with industrial equipment and those who operate it.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Lead daily manufacturing, warehouse, inventory, and shipping operations.
• Develop and maintain production schedules to meet customer demand while optimizing labor and equipment utilization.
• Ensure customer orders are fulfilled accurately and shipped on time.
• Coordinate activities between Production, Quality Control, Sales, Purchasing, and Accounting.
• Establish clear accountability and performance expectations for supervisors and team members.

Inventory & Supply Chain Management

• Monitor and manage raw material, packaging, accessory, and finished goods inventory levels.
• Develop and maintain safety stock strategies to support service levels while minimizing excess inventory.
• Improve inventory accuracy through process controls, leading and managing inventory counts, and system discipline.
• Participate in demand planning and forecasting activities.
• Work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to identify potential supply risks and develop contingency plans.
• Support purchasing and supplier management activities, including vendor performance evaluation, lead time management, and sourcing improvement initiatives.

Process Improvement & Problem Solving

• Identify operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies and implement sustainable improvements.
• Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), 5 Whys, Fishbone Analysis, Lean Manufacturing principles, and similar continuous improvement tools.
• Develop and track operational metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Lead projects focused on productivity improvement, waste reduction, inventory optimization, and service-level improvement.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Systems & Data Management

• Utilize ERP, inventory, and business systems to improve visibility, accuracy, and decision-making.
• Ensure operational data is accurate, timely, and actionable.
• Leverage Excel and other business tools to analyze performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support future process automation and system enhancement initiatives.

Change Management & Leadership

• Build trust and credibility across all levels of the organization.
• Lead organizational and process changes through influence, communication, and collaboration.
• Coach and develop supervisors and team members.
• Drive accountability while maintaining a positive and respectful workplace culture.
• Partner with ownership to help shape the future operational structure of the company.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and maintain a safe working environment throughout manufacturing and warehouse operations.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable safety regulations.
• Support safe handling and storage of chemical products and raw materials.
• Maintain focus on warehouse safety, forklift safety, housekeeping, and operational best practices.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, warehouse management, supply chain, or related leadership roles.
• Experience managing production, warehousing, inventory, logistics, or distribution operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience implementing process improvements and operational change.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems, inventory control processes, and production planning.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other business productivity tools.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Preferred

• Experience in chemical manufacturing, industrial products, or consumer packaged goods
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience developing KPIs and operational dashboards.
• Understanding of demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and warehouse layout design.
• Experience with SQL, Python, Power BI, or other data analysis tools.
• Experience leading cross-functional improvement initiatives.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who naturally asks:

• Why are we doing it this way?
• Is there a better process?
• What is the root cause of the problem?
• How can we improve efficiency without sacrificing quality or service?

Ardex Labs has over seventy-five years of experience in the automotive detailing industry and we’re excited as we approach our centennial. As we grow, we are looking for opportunities to optimize our operations and better serve our customers. xrczosw We are searching for someone who will match our levels of enthusiasm for systems building, developing future leaders, solving problems, and continuous improvement.

If you are energized by operational challenges, enjoy working across departments, and want the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a manufacturing business, we would like to hear from you.