Manufacturing Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Operations Manager – Continuous Manufacturing

We are seeking a hands-on and people-driven Operations Manager to lead daily operations in a continuous manufacturing environment. This high-impact, leadership role requires an individual who excels in plant operations, team development, and process management, while consistently delivering on safety, quality, production output, and employee engagement. This is a high-visibility position serving as a key liaison between production teams and executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of plant operations in a high-volume, continuous production environment.
• Oversee and coach production supervisors, team leads, and hourly employees across multiple shifts.
• Ensure structured handoffs and maintain effective communication between shifts via daily briefings and accountability meetings.
• Collaborate with quality, maintenance, safety, and logistics teams to meet and exceed operational goals.
• Maintain facility compliance with regulatory standards and ensure equipment is properly maintained and safe.
• Support capital improvement projects, equipment upgrades, and vendor management in alignment with executive leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing uptime, reducing scrap, enhancing product quality, and improving throughput.
• Optimize labor planning, shift scheduling, and overtime management to sustain consistent workforce productivity.
• Cultivate a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture across all shifts.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying trends and recommending solutions for performance gaps.
• Maintain a strong floor presence, including off-hours visits, to support employees and ensure seamless shift transitions.

Team Building & Culture

• Foster a culture of mutual respect, open communication, and employee recognition.
• Implement and oversee training programs, mentorship, and skills development to build a high-performing team.
• Drive employee retention by cultivating a workplace built on trust, transparency, and a shared mission.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in plant management or operations leadership within a manufacturing environment.
• Background in plastics manufacturing, extrusion, or continuous processing strongly preferred.
• Proven success in leading multi-shift operations and making a cultural impact through engaged leadership.
• Demonstrated use of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Strong, visible leadership presence on the production floor with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance a hands-on leadership style with strategic decision-making and long-term planning.

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