Operations Manager
The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and directing the functions and activities of the Operations organization. This role develops and executes strategies to achieve operational objectives across daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual metrics. The Operations Manager ensures alignment with the company's business plan while driving Continuous Improvement initiatives that deliver long-term value. This position reports to the Director of Operations and has leadership responsibility for front-line supervisors.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Champion safety, compliance, and 6S across all operational areas.
- Lead and support front-line supervisors, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and guidance needed to manage their teams effectively and meet performance goals.
- Own the throughput plan by coordinating with the Production Planning team to deliver daily, weekly, and quarterly throughput objectives.
- Drive daily performance and high-impact projects that meet or exceed Safety, Quality, Schedule, and Cost objectives.
- Promote effective employee engagement through clear communication, recognition, and development opportunities.
- Oversee people development, process improvement, cost control, quality assurance, new product implementation, and customer service optimization.
- Manage Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and report on daily operational performance.
- Champion and implement Continuous Improvement projects to increase Revenue per Square Foot and Revenue per Employee.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to optimize workflow and eliminate waste.
- Identify and lead new initiatives that positively impact business and operational goals.
- Direct and coordinate manufacturing activities in alignment with company policies and strategic objectives.
- Ensure consistent understanding and adherence to company policies and procedures.
- Maintain accountability for performance and product quality across the operations team.
- Communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and corporate leadership.
- Build and develop a high-performing manufacturing leadership team focused on strategic execution and strong employee relations.
- Implement structured problem-solving processes to drive improvements and foster collaborative working relationships.
- Partner cross-functionally with EHS, Engineering, Sales, Quality, Finance, HR, and other departments to ensure alignment and operational efficiency.
- Establish a regular cadence of performance feedback and coaching for direct reports, including development planning.
- Foster a high-performance culture and create an energizing, efficient, and adaptable work environment.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills
Safety focusStrong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement capabilitiesWorking knowledge of general aerospace quality standardsProficiency in production planning and schedulingExpertise in Lean Manufacturing, Theory of Constraints (TOC), and metric-driven problem solvingStrategic planning skills with a proven ability to meet Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Cost objectivesAbility to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needsProficiency in spreadsheets, financial tools, inventory, and production tracking systemsDemonstrated success in executing action plans and delivering measurable resultsProven leadership in fast-paced, short-cycle manufacturing environmentsHighly organized and self-motivated, with strong collaboration skillsKnowledge of budgeting and financial management toolsExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsStrong leadership and project management capabilitiesDesired Skills
Hands-on technical experience with CNC machines of various types and axesExperience in Fasteners, Aerospace, or Automotive manufacturing environmentsExperience & Education
Bachelor's degree in business or engineering; MS or MBA preferredMinimum of 7 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experienceProven ability to lead teams and drive results in a machining environment