Manufacturing Operations Manager

Aspire Talent Solutions; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire Talent Solutions in Charleston, SC seeks a Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead heavy industrial manufacturing, develop frontline leaders, and drive performance in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity.

You will oversee daily execution, enforce standard work, control plans, and job safety analyses, and push continuous improvement aligned with the 1–3 year business plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Materials or Industrial Engineering required.
• 2–5 years of frontline manufacturing leadership experience.
• At least 3 years solving technical manufacturing problems.
• Proven ability to coach front-line leaders.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Background in strategic manufacturing planning.
• Track record of improving safety, quality, and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily manufacturing operations toward goals and objectives.
• Coach and mentor frontline leaders to raise performance.
• Maintain a strong safety culture and zero-injury mindset.
• Apply control plans, standard work, and job safety analyses consistently.
• Establish stable, repeatable processes.
• Identify and implement safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvements.
• Translate business goals into manufacturing initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to launch new processes.
• Resolve operational challenges using structured problem-solving.
• Foster accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Analytical

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Manufacturing Operations Manager

Engineering degree preferred

Location: Charleston, SC

Position Overview

The Manufacturing Operations Manager provides leadership and direction for manufacturing activities in a heavy industrial environment. This individual is responsible for developing and coaching front-line leaders, driving operational performance, and ensuring the organization meets key objectives in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity.

This position oversees daily manufacturing execution and promotes consistent, reliable operations through the effective application of Control Plans, Standard Work, and Job Safety Analyses. The manager also plays an important role in advancing manufacturing initiatives and implementing strategies that support the company's 1–3-year business plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct daily manufacturing operations, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and overall business objectives.

• Develop, mentor, and coach front-line leaders to strengthen leadership capabilities and improve team performance.

• Maintain a strong safety culture focused on achieving a zero-injury workplace and following established safety procedures.

• Ensure consistent application of Control Plans, Standard Work, and Job Safety Analyses throughout manufacturing operations.

• Establish and sustain controlled, stable, and repeatable manufacturing processes.

• Identify and implement improvements in safety, quality, productivity, operational efficiency, and cost performance.

• Translate strategic business objectives into manufacturing plans and initiatives that support the organization's 1–3-year strategy.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to introduce new processes and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

• Investigate and resolve technical and operational challenges using structured problem-solving techniques.

• Foster a culture of accountability, employee development, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required - BS preferred in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Materials, or Industrial Engineering.

• 2–5 years of demonstrated leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.

• At least 3 years of technical problem-solving experience within a manufacturing operation.

• Proven ability to develop, coach, and lead front-line leaders.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage priorities and time effectively.

• Experience leading cross-functional teams to achieve operational and business goals.

• Background in strategic planning and implementing new manufacturing processes.

• Demonstrated success improving Safety, Quality, and Productivity performance through continuous improvement.

• Strong analytical, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.