Operations Manager

Company Description

Sign Fab, Inc., located in Stoutland, MO, is a proud 2nd- and 3rd-generation family-owned corporation specializing in the manufacturing of channel letters and sign cabinet products. With state-of-the-art facilities in Missouri and Mississippi, we employ over 150 dedicated team members. Over the past 32 years, we have grown to become one of the largest wholesale channel letter manufacturers in the sign industry. At Sign Fab, our core values revolve around building strong customer relationships and delivering exceptional service from initial quotes to final shipping.

About the job

Role Description

The General Manager of Operations will oversee the management team and ensure that each department meets its established goals. This leadership role includes supervising the production, sales, and marketing departments, as well as managing a large budget to be strategically allocated across all areas of the organization.

In this critical role, the General Manager of Operations will lead the charge in ensuring the smooth operation of all aspects of our manufacturing and sales processes. This includes overseeing production workflows, evaluating department performance, and collaborating with leadership to set and achieve business goals. The GM will also play a key role in budget management, talent acquisition, and aligning operational strategies with our company’s mission to deliver superior products and service.

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Develop and implement long-term operational strategies aligned with the company’s overall goals.
• Identify new market opportunities and emerging trends to guide operational priorities.
• Create contingency plans to manage risks and ensure business continuity.

Process Improvement

• Evaluate and optimize production workflows to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.
• Implement lean manufacturing or Six Sigma principles to improve operational processes.
• Analyze operational data to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions.

Financial Management

• Monitor financial metrics such as cost per unit, margin analysis, and return on investment (ROI).
• Collaborate with finance to forecast budgets and control costs across departments.
• Drive profitability through effective resource allocation and cost management.

Technology Integration

• Oversee the adoption and integration of technology to improve manufacturing processes and data analytics.
• Evaluate and implement software solutions, such as ERP or CRM systems, to streamline operations.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure products meet or exceed industry standards and customer expectations.
• Lead initiatives to improve product quality, reduce defects, and handle customer complaints effectively.

Supply Chain and Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with suppliers and oversee contracts to secure favorable terms.
• Oversee inventory control and ensure the supply chain supports production timelines.

Team Leadership and Development

• Establish clear performance expectations for managers and their teams.
• Mentor department heads and foster leadership development within the organization.
• Build a strong organizational culture centered on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, workplace safety standards, and environmental policies.
• Lead efforts to maintain certifications or achieve new accreditations relevant to the industry.

Customer and Client Engagement

• Collaborate with sales and marketing to strengthen customer relationships and improve client satisfaction.
• Work closely with key customers to understand their needs and tailor solutions accordingly.

Innovation and Product Development

• Drive innovation in product offerings to maintain competitive advantage.
• Collaborate with R&D and marketing to introduce new products or enhance existing ones.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a liaison between departments to ensure alignment and effective communication.
• Facilitate interdepartmental projects and initiatives to drive company-wide success.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring quarterly departmental progress and providing guidance to managers to support their success.
• Identifying and allocating resources, improving managerial skill sets, and recruiting new team members as needed.
• Collaborating with the HR department to uphold company policies and ensure adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Reviewing policies and implementing changes to operational procedures when necessary to drive efficiency and effectiveness.

This role requires a dynamic leader who can foster collaboration, drive performance, and adapt to the evolving needs of the organization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in production or manufacturing management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing multiple production facilities or large-scale operations.
• Strong knowledge of production processes, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze data, solve problems, and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in using production management software and tools.

Work Environment: This position may require frequent travel between production facilities and occasional extended hours to meet production deadlines.

• Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to HR@signfab.com.