Operations Manager

Hands-on leader who thrives on building structure and improving operations. Entrepreneurial mentality with the ability to drive change and accountability. About Our Client A leading manufacturer of outdoor products. Blending Italian engineering with American manufacturing, they create custom solutions for both homes and businesses. Job Description Key Responsibilities Operational Transformation Lead the transition from a traditional assembly shop to a structured industrial production environment. Design and implement scalable manufacturing processes, workflows, and production standards. Develop production KPIs, reporting systems, and performance dashboards. Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and quality control processes. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, throughput, labor productivity, waste reduction, and operational excellence. Production Management Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations including production scheduling at two locations assembly, fabrication, inventory management, shipping, and plant organization. Ensure production targets, delivery timelines, and quality standards are consistently achieved. Optimize labor utilization and staffing levels to support growth objectives. Improve plant layout, workflow, and material handling to maximize productivity and safety. Coordinate closely with purchasing, customer service and engineering teams to ensure smooth operational execution. Lean Manufacturing & Process Improvement Implement lean manufacturing principles including 5S, visual management, standardized work, and continuous improvement methodologies. Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve production flow. Introduce production planning systems, capacity management, and operational controls. Lead initiatives related to automation, equipment upgrades, and process industrialization where appropriate. Leadership & Team Development Build and lead a high-performance operations team focused on accountability, collaboration, and execution. Mentor supervisors and production personnel to elevate operational discipline and technical capabilities. Establish measurable performance expectations and conduct regular team evaluations. Foster a culture of safety, ownership, and continuous improvement throughout the facility. Quality & Safety Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and company standards. Develop and enforce quality assurance procedures to reduce defects and rework. Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives related to production or quality issues. Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-focused manufacturing environment. The Successful Applicant Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field preferred. 5-10+ years of manufacturing operations leadership experience. Proven success transforming or scaling manufacturing operations. Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies. Experience implementing ERP, production scheduling, or manufacturing tracking systems is a plus. Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial manufacturing environment. What's on Offer Competitive salary and benefits package.