The Operations Improvement Manager is responsible for leading plant-wide operational performance by analyzing processes, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing initiatives that improve workflow, reduce costs, and elevate overall production effectiveness. This role oversees daily plant operations—including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people—while ensuring equipment readiness, maintaining production schedules, and supporting troubleshooting across departments. Operating at a plant manager level, the Operations Manager sets performance standards, coaches’ leaders, develops team members, and drives a rigorous continuous improvement agenda using Lean methodologies and KPI-based performance management. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with HR on staffing, fostering strong communication with leadership, upholding company policies and safety standards, and ensuring reliable, high-quality output through disciplined execution and cross-functional coordination.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function.
Lead and coordinate daily production activities, ensuring schedules, quality standards, throughput goals, and inventory requirements are met.
Analyze production schedules, allocate resources effectively, and adjust work assignments to meet operational targets.
Ensure equipment readiness by partnering with Maintenance and assisting in troubleshooting machinery issues.
Analyze operational processes to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements to methods, equipment performance, and product quality.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean tools (VSM, 5S, SMED, visual management, Kaizen, RCA) to reduce cost and increase productivity.
Develop, implement, and maintain metrics and KPIs that improve performance, drive accountability, and support decision-making.
Manage staffing for direct reports, partnering with HR on interviewing, hiring, and performance management.
Maintain open communication with supervisors, leadership, and crossfunctional partners to discuss priorities, progress, and issues.
The individual may be asked to perform other duties as requested.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
An individual qualified for this job must be able to:
Operate a computer and demonstrate PC proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATIONS
An individual qualified for this job must have and maintain the following qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in business, operations, engineering or related field and 5 years of experience in operations management or continuous improvement roles (such as a plant supervisor, department manager, or other management/supervisory position including manufacturing, continuous improvement, and quality responsibilities), or a satisfactory combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the above duties.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the Essential Functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- This is a desk-based job and will require the individual to remain seated for long periods of time and have the manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment such as computer keyboard, mouse, calculator, phone, copier/scanner, and similar machines.
The environmental conditions described here are representative of those the associate encounters while performing the Essential Functions of the job.
The individual will work primarily in an office setting in the same room as other individuals. Noise levels are average for an office and include conversation and/or office equipment.
While working with team members at manufacturing and distribution facilities, the individual may be exposed to moving machinery, work in high/precarious places, marked changes in temperature and humidity, and dust, odors and fumes. Typical noise level is loud.
The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments.
