Manufacturing Operations Lead - Lean & Plant Excellence

The Recruiting Hive; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Recruiting Hive in Bloomington, IL is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee daily plant operations within a complex manufacturing environment, preferably automotive supplier. This role ensures efficient production of high-quality products, on-time delivery, and achievement of cost and operational targets.

Requires a hands-on leader with a proven ability to drive continuous improvement and sustainable results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience.
• Proven experience managing complex manufacturing operations; automotive supplier experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting new program launches and production ramp-ups.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Working knowledge of automotive quality systems and customer requirements.
• Experience with financial controls, budgeting, labor management, and operational KPIs.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop talent, and drive measurable operational results.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Lead production teams and ensure customer schedules and manufacturing requirements are met.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and operational efficiencies.
• Monitor labor efficiency, machine utilization, production performance, and operating costs.
• Lead and develop Production Supervisors, Team Leaders, Technicians, and production personnel.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, customer-specific requirements, and safety policies.
• Lead root cause analysis and 8D corrective actions to address quality, downtime, and production issues.
• Support new program launches, production readiness, and manufacturing ramp-up activities.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve productivity, and increase plant profitability.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment.
• Communicate operational performance, improvement initiatives, and business results to senior management.
• Promote employee engagement, accountability, and a culture of operational excellence.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Team Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Budgeting

Labor Management

Operational KPIs

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

The Recruiting Hive in Bloomington, IL is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee daily plant operations within a complex manufacturing environment, preferably automotive supplier. This role ensures efficient production of high-quality products, on-time delivery, and achievement of cost and operational targets.

Requires a hands-on leader with a proven ability to drive continuous improvement and sustainable results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.