Operations Manager
About Diehl Tool Steel
Founded in 1926, Diehl Tool Steel is a leading distributor of specialty metals, including tool steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Known for innovation and service, we provide value-added solutions that help customers reduce costs, improve efficiency, and accelerate time to market.
Position Summary
The Operations Manager is responsible for supporting daily manufacturing operations while driving safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement throughout the facility. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role that requires spending approximately 60% of the time on the production floor observing processes, engaging with employees, identifying opportunities for improvement, and supporting problem-solving efforts. The remaining 40% will be focused on planning, analysis, reporting, and administrative responsibilities as needed.
Reporting directly to the Vice President of Operations, this role will provide leadership, direction, and support to assigned team members while fostering a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Promote and support a strong safety culture throughout the facility by reinforcing safe work practices, identifying opportunities for improvement, and ensuring safety remains a priority in daily operations.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and support to assigned team members while maintaining accountability for operational performance and employee development.
- Maintain a strong presence on the production floor by observing processes, engaging with employees, identifying improvement opportunities, and supporting effective execution of operational standards.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts to identify, resolve, and prevent recurring operational issues.
- Analyze manufacturing processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement sustainable improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and reliability.
- Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Production teams to improve processes, equipment performance, and overall operational effectiveness.
- Establish, maintain, and improve operational standards, procedures, and best practices.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, safety requirements, and applicable regulations.
- Support ISO requirements and maintain accurate operational documentation and procedures.
- Provide coaching, feedback, and performance support to direct reports.
- Prepare and deliver professional reports, presentations, and operational updates using Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Utilize data and metrics to identify trends, measure performance, and support decision-making.
- Provide operational support outside of normal business hours when business needs require.
Qualifications
Required Skills
- Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Proficient Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills with the ability to analyze information and present findings clearly.
- Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Proven experience with root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
- Ability to work effectively between the production floor and office environment.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to develop and maintain operational procedures and documentation.
- Ability to build relationships, influence others, and drive accountability.
- Strong continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify opportunities and implement solutions.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field preferred.
- 3–5 years of manufacturing leadership or supervisory experience with responsibility for improving processes, supporting teams, and achieving operational goals.
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment with a strong understanding of production processes and operational challenges.
- Engineering or technical background with experience applying problem-solving and process improvement methods.
- Demonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and root cause analysis.
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred, or equivalent experience applying structured improvement methodologies.
- Experience using data and analysis to improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
*ITAR and EAR Disclosure Statement:
This position requires compliance with ITAR and/or EAR requirements. As a potential candidate for this position, you must be a “U.S. Person” (as defined under 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 and 15 C.F.R. § 772.1). The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) are the primary export control regulations in the United States. The successful candidate will be required to show proof substantiating their status as a U.S. Person.
Pay: $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How many years of leadership or supervisory experience do you have in a manufacturing environment?
- How would you rate your proficiency with Microsoft Excel?
- How would you rate your proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint?
- How many years of experience do you have applying Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement principles?
- Do you have experience leading Root Cause Analysis and implementing corrective actions?
- Describe your leadership style. How do you balance your time between being present on the production floor and completing office-based responsibilities?
- Describe the manufacturing environments in which you have worked. Include the industries, products, and processes you have supported.
- Please describe your experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, including any certifications you hold and how you have applied these methodologies in a manufacturing environment.
- This is a full-time, on-site position based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Are you currently located in the Cincinnati area or able to reliably commute to the worksite on a daily basis without employer-provided relocation assistance?
Work Location: In person
