Location: Bronx, New York (onsite)
The Company:
We’re a small, well established and privately owned light industrial fabrication and manufacturing company serving packaging, furniture, insulation, and specialty markets and we are getting ready to make a big change.
The Role
We're looking for a new General Manager of Operations. This is a senior leadership role with full ownership of the plant: from the moment raw materials come through the door to the second finished goods ship out and get delivered.
Here is what makes this role different: we're looking to build something big, and we’re looking to build quickly. The right person for this role isn't just an operator; they're a true builder. A problem-solver who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and create solutions, a leader who earns trust on the floor just as easily as they collaborate with the executive team, someone who can set the strategy and then go make it happen.
This role is the bridge between the production floor and our leadership team, and you'll shape how we operate, how our people grow, and how we scale. If you are the driven leader who thrives in fast-moving environments and always finds a way, then this is the role for you.
What You'll Own
- Run the Facility. You're the senior decision-maker on-site. When things get challenging, you're the one who figures it out. You'll provide operational oversight across all operations. You'll establish SOPs, build production schedules, drive throughput targets, maintain inventory and continuously sharpen how we operate.
- Lead People Building a strong team culture is at the core of this role. You'll recruit, develop, and retain a workforce and create an environment where accountability and recognition go hand in hand. Our hourly workforce is the backbone of this operation, and how you show up for them defines everything.
- Own the Numbers. This is a full P&L role. You'll manage production costs, labor efficiency, waste reduction, and capital planning. You'll partner closely with the senior leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and period-end reporting, and you'll regularly present facility performance. You find ways to drive savings without compromising quality, safety, or people.
- Operations Management. You'll oversee raw material procurement planning, inventory controls, production planning, manufacturing and delivery and ensure safety and customer satisfaction are never an afterthought.
Who You Are and What You Bring:
We're looking for a leader who is genuinely:
- A scrappy problem-solver. When something breaks at 8am or a key inventory item is backordered, you find a way. You're resourceful, calm under pressure, and put in the time to figure it out.
- A trust-builder. Your team respects you because you've worked to build trust, not because of your title. You're on the floor, you know people's names, and you follow through on what you say.
- A strong leader. You set a direction, you get buy-in, and you bring everyone along with energy and conviction. People want to work hard for you because they know you'll do the same for them.
- Equally at home in a leadership meeting and on the production floor. You can build a spreadsheet in the morning and troubleshoot a production issue in the afternoon. You don't ask your team to do what you’re not willing to do yourself.
- Built for ambiguity. We’re looking to grow fast and not everything is figured out yet. You see that as an exciting opportunity where the future is limitless.
You bring:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field required. Master's degree (MBA or MS) is a plus. Equivalent combinations of relevant experience and education will definitely be considered.
- 5–10 years of progressive plant or manufacturing operations leadership, with at least 3 years in a senior role with full P&L accountability. Prior manufacturing industry experience is a must.
- Experience leading operations in a lean, entrepreneurial/startup environments.
- Proven track record of building high-performing teams.
- Strong financial acumen with budget development, cost analysis, P&L management, inventory management.
- Working knowledge of production cost drivers, manufacturing KPIs, and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Production Excellence, or equivalent).
- Proven success implementing projects that drive efficiency.
- A history of building positive, rewarding workplace cultures for hourly workforces.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee all plant operations: production scheduling, workflow, inventory, shipping/receiving, maintenance, and housekeeping.
- Direct, coach, and develop a small team (supervisors, machine operators, fabricators, warehouse staff); recruit and maintain staffing levels.
- Ensure production meets customer specifications, on-time delivery, and quality standards; resolve customer and production issues.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve throughput, and lower costs.
- Implement and maintain safety and regulatory compliance (OSHA, environmental rules); conduct safety training and audits.
- Manage equipment maintenance plans and vendor relationships; plan and oversee capital equipment purchases.
- Oversee purchasing, raw material inventory management, and supplier relationships to control costs and maintain supply continuity.
- Maintain and report on key performance indicators. Prepare budgets, forecasts, and financial reports; manage P&L responsibility for the facility.
- Support sales and quoting by providing manufacturing feedback on lead times, costs, and capabilities.
- Practical understanding of production equipment used in fabrication shops (cutters, CNC routers, laminators, conveyors); experience specifying or integrating automation and PLC controls.
- Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and basic maintenance/repair practices.
- Financial acumen: experience managing budgets, cost controls, and P&L.
Compensation:
- Competitive salary, equity, plus performance bonus/benefits.
Pay: $120,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
