Operations Manager

Position: Operations Manager

Location: Virginia

Position Summary:

The Operations/Maintenance Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily manufacturing production operations and maintenance activities at a plant. This role ensures that production processes run smoothly, equipment is maintained in optimal working condition, and operational efficiency is maximized. The manager will lead teams across production and maintenance, troubleshoot operational challenges, and implement strategies for continuous improvement. Ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, this position plays a critical role in achieving plant production targets while minimizing downtime.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage Production Operations: Oversee daily manufacturing operations to ensure production targets are met in terms of quality, volume, and timelines. Collaborate with production supervisors to optimize workflows, allocate resources effectively, and ensure efficient use of machinery and labor.

• Maintenance Leadership: Lead the maintenance team in planning and performing preventive and corrective maintenance. Ensure all equipment is in good working condition to avoid production delays or shutdowns.

• Operational Efficiency: Analyze and optimize production processes, identifying opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize downtime. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production quality and throughput.

• Safety and Compliance: Ensure that both production and maintenance operations adhere to all safety regulations and environmental standards. Lead safety initiatives and drive compliance with OSHA and industry regulations.

• Budget and Cost Management: Develop and manage budgets for both production and maintenance, including capital expenditures, labor, and parts. Identify cost-saving initiatives that align with production and maintenance goals.

• Team Leadership: Supervise, train, and develop production and maintenance teams. Foster a culture of collaboration between operations and maintenance to ensure smooth plant operations.

• Troubleshooting and Problem Solving: Provide hands-on leadership in resolving production bottlenecks and equipment failures. Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to implement long-term solutions for recurring issues.

• Vendor and Contractor Coordination: Partner with procurement team(s) to manage relationships with external service providers for maintenance and production needs, ensuring timely support for both operations.

• Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with Operations Excellence team(s) to identify opportunities for operational improvements in both production and maintenance. Leverage Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to drive continuous improvement in production efficiency and equipment reliability.

• Project Management: Lead projects related to production upgrades, new equipment installation, and plant expansion. Ensure that project timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.

• Reporting and Documentation: Maintain detailed records of production metrics, downtime, maintenance activities, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Report regularly to senior management on operational and maintenance performance.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. Equivalent experience will be considered.

• Experience:

o 7 years of experience in operations management and maintenance within a manufacturing environment.

o Proven leadership in managing both production teams and maintenance teams, with a focus on optimizing production and minimizing downtime.

•Technical Skills:

o Strong understanding of production operations, equipment maintenance, and plant systems.

o Proficiency in Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

o Experience with continuous improvement tools like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

• Leadership Skills:

o Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, particularly in production and maintenance.

o Strong communication skills with the ability to engage and motivate teams at all levels.

• Problem-Solving: Proven track record in resolving complex production and maintenance challenges. Strong analytical abilities to identify inefficiencies and implement corrective actions.

• Certifications: Certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, CMRP (Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional), or PMP (Project Management Professional) are a plus.

• Other: Flexibility to manage a dynamic, fast-paced production environment with the ability to work outside standard hours when necessary.

Working Conditions:

This position operates within a manufacturing plant and office environment. The role involves interactions with employees, managers, and external stakeholders.