Manufacturing Operations Leader – Continuous Improvement

Kamatics Corporation; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Disability insurance

Retirement plan with company match

Career development opportunities

Job summary

AkroFire in Lenexa, KS seeks an experienced Operations Manager to oversee daily operations, drive performance, and lead continuous improvement in a manufacturing setting. You will develop teams, optimize processes, manage resources, and execute strategic initiatives to ensure safety, quality, and cost effectiveness.

The ideal candidate has strong leadership, project management, and operational experience, with a track record of implementing improvements in a high‑risk manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of people or project management experience.
• Experience managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience developing and monitoring KPIs, operational reports, and performance improvement plans.
• Strong understanding of business processes, resource planning, and operational controls.
• Experience leading teams, managing budgets, and driving operational improvements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders, lead organizational change, and execute operational strategies.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage competing business needs.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations to ensure efficiency, consistency, and cost‑effective performance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company goals and objectives.
• Establish and maintain operational policies, procedures, and performance standards.
• Identify operational risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to support business objectives and continuous improvement.
• Communicate priorities, policies, action items, and operational updates through tiered meetings and presentations.
• Lead, coach, and develop production technicians, quality control technicians, and salaried direct reports.
• Establish clear performance expectations, goals, and accountability measures.
• Support workforce planning, staffing, succession planning, and employee development.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and engagement.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Address operational challenges and employee concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Communicate effectively with employees at all organizational levels, from executive leadership to production technicians.
• Lead cultural change and organizational transformation initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with customers, business leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Develop and support individual development plans for direct reports.
• Establish, monitor, and improve KPIs and operational metrics.
• Analyze data from ERP, timekeeping, quality, and other systems to identify trends and improve decision‑making.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing scrap, rework, traceability issues, and takt time while increasing production output.
• Utilize process mapping and engineered solutions to improve operational efficiency.
• Evaluate equipment, systems, and processes and recommend capital expenditures (CapEx) when appropriate.
• Drive measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and overall operational performance.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditure requirements.
• Monitor expenses and identify cost‑saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Analyze financial and operational performance against established standards.
• Allocate resources effectively to support business priorities.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to improve profitability, reduce variances, and shorten cycle times.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, and industry requirements.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks.
• Conduct operational reviews, audits, and performance assessments.
• Implement corrective actions and mistake‑proofing solutions to prevent recurring issues.
• Promote a safe, compliant, and productive manufacturing environment.

Skills

People / Project management

Project management

KPIs & reporting

Business processes

Resource planning

Team leadership

Budget management

Operational improvements

MS Office

ERP systems

Leadership

Communication

Analytics

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Change leadership

Operational strategy

Prioritization

Travel readiness

Tools

Epicor ERP

AS9100D

Job description

AkroFire in Lenexa, KS seeks an experienced Operations Manager to oversee daily operations, drive performance, and lead continuous improvement in a manufacturing setting. You will develop teams, optimize processes, manage resources, and execute strategic initiatives to ensure safety, quality, and cost effectiveness.

The ideal candidate has strong leadership, project management, and operational experience, with a track record of implementing improvements in a high‑risk manufacturing environment.