Operations Manager

Job Summary

Directs and coordinates the activities of manufacturing/operations/production department within a business unit of the company. Oversees the cost-effective utilization of the manpower, capital equipment, and other resources required to manufacture products in a manner that meet business targets for profitability, on-time delivery, productivity, and quality. Coordinates with sales, inspection, purchasing and other functions of the business unit to plan and maintain optimal output, customer satisfaction, and new product production. Has responsibility for operating budgets, product shipments, earned standard hours/productivity continuous improvement, manpower planning and customer satisfaction. Fully engages workforce and promotes personal accountability by identifying goals, empowering employees to drive decision making, fostering innovation and continuous learning, by providing ongoing feedback.

Primary Responsibilities

• Directs and manages the work activities of the manufacturing function including molding, assembly, various engineering support functions, and production control for a business unit major product group.
• Maintains production reporting, accurate inventory counts and analysis of variances in order to keep yield, repair and scrap to a minimum.
• Analyzes costs, expenses, operating efficiency and losses for their business segment and ensures that profitability is managed.
• Oversees the cost-effective utilization of the manpower, capital equipment, and other resources required to manufacture products in a manner that meet business targets for profitability, on-time delivery, productivity, and quality.
• Reviews production orders or schedules to ascertain product data such as types, quantities, and specifications of products and scheduled delivery dates in order to plan department operations.
• Oversees the status of all work in process to meet manufacturing work schedules or re-schedules.
• Plans production operations pursuant to master schedule, establishing priorities and sequences for manufacturing of products. Coordinates manufacturing activities to ensure production and quality of products meets specifications.
• Reviews production and operating reports and resolves operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems to ensure minimum costs and prevent operational delays. Monitors machines and equipment to ensure specific operational performance and optimum utilization.
• Prepares annual review of maintenance, improvement of manufacturing capital equipment and alternative in the areas of equipment and processes and makes recommendations for capital plan.
• Ensures that proper tooling is available for all production machines and product lines; or that material is on hand for the creation or modification of necessary jigs and tooling.
• Accountable for the maintenance of good morale, job satisfaction, and productive employees in the workforce under position authority in order to optimize human resources, maintain an effective work climate, and ensure that company policies and procedures are followed.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Manages subordinate supervisors/managers who supervise a total of approximately 60 -150 employees in various molding, assembly and product support departments.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Supports the development, organization, implementation, and evaluation of a successful continuous improvement/lean manufacturing program that drives aggressive business results. Introduce standardized Lean techniques and concepts including: value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Visual Controls, Pull/Kanban systems, standardized work, line balancing, etc.
• Achieves stated metrics to include, but not limited to, safety, quality, service and cost. Assesses and addresses team's performance to metrics.
• Prepares and submits capital expenditure requests considered feasible to operations management for consideration and possible allocation of funds, based on overall financial analysis.
• Drive solutions to assigned tasks utilizing a proactive approach to problem solving. Build capability within site leadership by asking impactful questions and challenging current practices.
• Implements performance management, progressive discipline, attendance practices, policies, staffing and terminations. Provides training, coaching and feedback to associates.
• Ensures safe work practices and resolves safety issues within the team. Engages in the development and implementation of processes, behavior and culture to build world class safety performance, while ensuring compliance with all applicable OSHA and other regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Specific manufacturing knowledge of production control, manufacturing processes and tooling used in a business unit.
• Demonstrated cost management in functional areas such as assembly, manufacturing engineering, materials, etc.
• Strong consulting & coaching skills; effective advisor to management and employees across a variety of business issues. Exceptionally good listening skills; able to present complex or new ideas with clarity and simplicity.
• Power user in ERP systems and/or other financial and operational software systems.
• Strong working knowledge of quality standards (i.e. ISO/AS9100).
• Results-oriented, strong analytical skills, and demonstrated process improvement success in managing large teams in a continuous improvement culture.
• Must possess excellent problem solving, organizational and verbal & written communication skills.
• Solid, overall business acumen and a strong mindset for continuous improvement.
• Work requires verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects.
• High energy level and ability to work flexible hours.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong computer skills (e.g. MS Word, MS Excel, MRP).
• Strong attention to detail.
• Results oriented.

Kirkhill, Inc. Competencies

• Customer Focus - Knows and understands the needs of internal and external customers. Is results oriented and works hard to consistently provide exceptional service.
• Ethics and Values - Adheres to an effective set of core values and beliefs and acts in accordance. Rewards the right values and disapproves of others.
• Problem Solving - Looks beyond the obvious to find effective solutions.
• Integrity and Trust - Widely trusted and seen as direct and truthful.
• Functional/Technical Skills - Possesses the skills to be effective in the job. Has the skills to perform the job at a high level of accomplishment.
• Listening - Practices active and attentive listening, able to hear others.
• Action-oriented - Full of energy, willing to take action.
• Composure - Cool under pressure, not knocked off balance by the unexpected, is a settling influence.
• Values Diversity - Supports fair and equal treatment for all.

Education/Previous Experience Requirements

• BS/BA in Engineering, Business or related field.
• Previous management level experience. 5+ years of progressively responsible management experience in an engineering or manufacturing environment; preferably in the aerospace or defense industry
• Lean or Six Sigma preferred.

Kirkhill, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All successful candidates must submit to post offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen and background check as a condition of employment.