Manufacturing Operations Manager

H.T. Prof Executive Search; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

H.T. Prof Executive Search is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead heavy industrial manufacturing activities, coach front-line leaders, and drive performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.

The role focuses on leading daily operations, applying standard work, and promoting continuous improvement to meet 1–3 year plans. The ideal candidate will have a BS in engineering and 2–5 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, plus at least 3 years of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 2–5 years of leadership experience in manufacturing.
• At least 3 years of technical problem-solving in manufacturing.
• Proven ability to develop, coach, and lead front-line leaders.
• Strong organizational skills and time management.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams to achieve operations goals.
• Background in strategic planning and implementing new processes.
• Proven success in improving Safety, Quality, Productivity through CI.
• Strong analytical and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily manufacturing operations and align with department and business goals.
• Develop, mentor, and coach front-line leaders to improve performance.
• Maintain a strong safety culture and enforce safety procedures.
• Ensure consistent application of control plans, standard work, and JSA.
• Establish and sustain controlled, stable, repeatable processes.
• Identify and implement safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvements.
• Translate business objectives into manufacturing plans for 1–3 year strategy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new processes.
• Investigate and resolve operational challenges using structured problem-solving.
• Foster accountability, employee development, continuous improvement, and excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Education

BS in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Materials, or Industrial Engineering

Job description

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.