Factory Operations Leader: Lean, NPI & Growth

MKS Instruments, Inc.; Andover (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

MKS Instruments, Inc. is seeking an Operations Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing at the Andover facility, balancing daily execution with strategic process improvements.

The role oversees production scheduling, direct labor, safety, and 6S/Lean initiatives while supporting NPI and capacity planning across three shifts. Ideal candidates bring hands-on leadership in a fast-paced, global environment, with strong analytics and cross-functional collaboration to drive safety, quality, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field.
• 7+ years manufacturing or factory operations experience with leadership responsibility.
• Experience managing production teams and direct labor in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of production planning, capacity planning, scheduling, labor management, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 6S, continuous improvement, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience developing standard work, work instructions, training programs, and safety procedures.
• Cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, Purchasing, and Logistics.

Responsibilities

• Lead, direct, and supervise Production and Test Supervisors and manufacturing personnel.
• Manage time and attendance, shift schedules, PTO, sick time, overtime, and labor times.
• Develop and maintain capacity and staffing models aligned with factory production requirements.
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching, feedback, and disciplinary actions.
• Ensure compliance with manufacturing processes, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Escalation point for personnel, supply, quality, and cross-functional issues.
• Lead daily production meetings to prioritize workflow and support the Master Production Schedule.
• Coordinate shipping/receiving priorities with Logistics.
• Maintain and calibrate manufacturing tools and equipment.
• Identify material shortages and expediting with Purchasing/Planning.
• Drive continuous improvement to productivity, quality, throughput, and delivery.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree

7+ years experience

production planning

Lean Manufacturing

6S

cross-functional leadership

data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing/Engineering/Operations

Job description

MKS Instruments, Inc. is seeking an Operations Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing at the Andover facility, balancing daily execution with strategic process improvements.

The role oversees production scheduling, direct labor, safety, and 6S/Lean initiatives while supporting NPI and capacity planning across three shifts. Ideal candidates bring hands-on leadership in a fast-paced, global environment, with strong analytics and cross-functional collaboration to drive safety, quality, and