Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing all manufacturing and operational functions within the facility. This role oversees end-to-end manufacturing operations, including receiving, material handling, machining, CNC operations, maintenance, assembly, testing, finishing (sandblasting/painting), and shipping. In addition, the Operations Manager manages the Purchasing and Planning departments and drives continuous improvement initiatives focused on lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and data-driven decision-making.

This role requires strong cross-functional leadership, daily operational discipline, and the ability to scale operations, including the implementation and sustainment of a second shift to support company growth. The Operations Manager will partner closely with other departments and provide regular performance reporting to corporate leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing & Operations Leadership

· Oversee all manufacturing operations, including receiving, material handling, machining, CNC operations, maintenance, assembly, testing, sandblasting/painting, and shipping.

· Ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are consistently met or exceeded.

· Lead Visual Daily Management Meetings, including updating boards / PDCA process

· Establish clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards across all operational functions.

· Ensure all operations comply with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 requirements, including adherence to documented procedures and work instructions.

Purchasing & Planning Management

· Lead the Purchasing and Planning departments to ensure material availability, cost control, and efficient production flow.

· Align purchasing and production planning with demand forecasts, capacity, and inventory strategies, as well as reducing slow-moving/excess/obsolete inventory.

· Drive supplier performance, lead-time reduction, and cost optimization initiatives.

· Take ownership of inventory accuracy and controls, including assisting with planning and leading the annual physical inventory count, an all-hands operational event.

Daily Management & Accountability

· Re-implement and lead daily operational meetings within each functional area.

· Clearly communicate daily priorities, production targets, and key issues.

· Drive accountability to ensure planned work is completed as expected.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

· Champion continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles.

· Identify waste, inefficiencies, and bottlenecks; lead cross-functional teams to implement sustainable improvements.

· Foster a culture of continuous improvement, problem-solving, and employee engagement.

· Support and participate in internal and external ISO audits, including preparation, execution, and follow-up activities.

Data-Driven Decision Making & Systems

· Utilize operational data to drive informed decision-making and performance improvements.

· Ensure accurate and timely data entry within SAP and related systems.

· Continuously improve data accuracy, system utilization, and reporting effectiveness.

· Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs).

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Reporting

· Partner with Engineering, Quality, Finance, Sales, and other departments to align operational goals.

· Prepare and present a monthly operational report to corporate leadership.

Workforce Planning & Growth

· Lead staffing, training, and development of operations personnel.

· Implement and maintain a second shift to support business growth.

· Ensure consistent processes and standards across all shifts.

· Assist in staffing and workforce planning across operations, including identifying current and future talent needs.

· Partner with third-party recruiting firms, local trade schools, and workforce development organizations to build and maintain a strong talent pipeline.

· Support hiring, onboarding, and training efforts to ensure staffing levels and skill sets align with operational demands and growth plans.

Qualifications

Required

· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field.

· Minimum of 3 years of management experience within a manufacturing facility.

· ERP system experience; SAP strongly preferred.

· Proven leadership and change management skills.

Preferred

· Strong understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

· Experience in CNC machining and discrete manufacturing environments.

· Prior experience implementing or scaling second-shift operations.

· Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.

Key Competencies

· Leadership and people development

· Operational discipline and execution

· Data-driven problem solving

· Continuous improvement mindset

· Cross-functional collaboration

· Strong communication and presentation skills