The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of manufacturing, warehousing, purchasing, estimating, and project management for products that the company manufactures and distributes both domestically and globally. This role develops and implements operational strategies that support organizational goals, improve efficiency and profitability, and ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The Operations Manager provides leadership to operational departments, manages resources, oversees vendor relationships, establishes performance metrics, and drives continuous improvement initiatives across the organization while maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee manufacturing, warehousing, purchasing, estimating, and project management functions to ensure efficient and profitable operations.
- Develop and execute operational strategies, objectives, and processes that support company goals and drive continuous improvement.
- Establish, implement, and monitor operational policies, procedures, and quality standards to ensure products meet customer requirements and company expectations.
- Manage production workflows, schedules, and resource allocation to ensure projects are completed accurately, efficiently, and on time.
- Oversee domestic and international project estimating activities and collaborate with project teams to maximize project profitability and estimate accuracy.
- Monitor project performance, costs, labor utilization, and operational metrics to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and profitability.
- Lead, coach, develop, and manage operations personnel, including Project Managers, CAD Detailers, Production Manager, Warehouse Manager, and other operational staff.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee development initiatives within the operations department.
- Maintain accurate personnel records and ensure employee management practices comply with company policies and applicable regulations.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to establish departmental budgets and manage operational expenses, resources, and capital investments.
- Develop and manage vendor relationships to ensure quality products and services are received at competitive pricing and favorable terms.
- Resolve production, warehouse, logistics, and project-related issues while implementing corrective actions to minimize risk and delays.
- Prepare, analyze, and present operational reports, including productivity metrics, resource allocation, warranty expenditures, project profitability, estimate-to-actual accuracy, and shipping performance.
- Drive operational excellence by identifying process improvements, implementing best practices, and promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Partner with executive leadership to support strategic planning, operational growth, and long-term business objectives.
- Be available to support customer and business needs during evenings and weekends when required.
Qualifications
Required
- Proven leadership experience managing manufacturing, warehouse, project management, purchasing, or related operational functions.
- Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under demanding deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience leading, developing, and managing cross-functional teams.
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, project profitability analysis, and general accounting knowledge.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate across all levels of the organization.
- Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to delivering high-quality results.
- Ability to analyze operational performance metrics and implement corrective actions to improve outcomes.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and business management systems.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as required to support operational and customer needs.
- Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.
Preferred
- Experience within the trade show, exhibit, event production, custom fabrication, or manufacturing industry.
- Experience managing domestic and international project operations.
- Knowledge of estimating, production planning, inventory management, logistics, and supply chain operations.
- Experience developing operational KPIs and leveraging data-driven decision-making.
- Familiarity with Exhibitus EMS or comparable enterprise management systems.
- Experience implementing process improvement, lean manufacturing, or operational excellence initiatives.
Core Competencies
- Operations Leadership and Management
- Manufacturing and Production Oversight
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Budgeting and Financial Management
- Vendor and Supplier Management
- Resource Allocation and Workforce Planning
- Process Improvement and Operational Efficiency
- Performance Metrics and Reporting
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Customer Focus and Service Excellence
- Communication and Team Leadership
- Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement
- Accountability and Results Orientation
Reporting Staff
- Project Managers
- CAD Detailers
- Production Manager
- Warehouse Manager
- Other Operations Personnel as Assigned
Exhibitus is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
