Manufacturing Operations Manager

Goodwin Recruiting; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

On-site schedule

Stable environment

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting in Knoxville, TN seeks a Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead a high-volume, three-shift operation on the plant floor, driving production efficiency, quality, and safety with a dedicated team.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in manufacturing operations, including 5+ in leadership, and a proven track record with production metrics, scheduling, lean practices, and continuous improvement. This role offers a dynamic environment with strong growth potential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in manufacturing operations, with 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Background as Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Production Manager, or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of production metrics, scheduling, quality control, scrap and rework.
• Experience managing high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Analytical problem-solving skills and comfort on the production floor.
• Excellent communication and ability to set realistic production goals.
• Lead diverse teams and enforce accountability.
• Self-directed with a hands-on approach to operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across a three-shift manufacturing environment with strong production-floor presence.
• Ensure equipment and processes operate efficiently while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Monitor and improve key production metrics like first-pass yield, scrap, downtime and productivity.
• Identify operational challenges and implement data-driven, sustainable solutions.
• Set realistic capacity and performance goals and advocate achievable expectations.
• Develop and hold employees and leaders accountable for operational results.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to meet customer requirements.
• Support process improvements during the company’s transition to a structured corporate environment.

Skills

Leadership

Operations

Problem-solving

Communication

Hands-on

Data-driven

Job description

Manufacturing Operations Manager – Knoxville, TN

This is an excellent opportunity to lead a high-volume, three-shift manufacturing operation for an established manufacturer in Knoxville. This hands-on leadership role offers a chance to directly impact production efficiency, quality, and safety while working closely with a dedicated team in a dynamic environment.

Manufacturing Operations Manager Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive base salary of $90,000–$105,000 plus performance bonus
• On-site schedule supporting a three-shift manufacturing operation
• Opportunity to work in a stable, growing manufacturing environment

Manufacturing Operations Manager Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of manufacturing operations experience with at least 5+ years in leadership roles
• Proven background as a Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Production Manager, or equivalent
• Strong knowledge of production metrics, scheduling, quality control, scrap, and rework
• Experience managing high-volume manufacturing environments
• Analytical problem-solving skills and comfort working directly on the production floor
• Excellent communication skills with confidence to advocate realistic production goals
• Ability to lead diverse teams and enforce accountability
• Self-directed with a hands-on approach to operations

Manufacturing Operations Manager Preferred Background & Skills

• Experience in rubber/tire manufacturing, automotive components, marine/boat manufacturing, or other high-volume industries
• Familiarity with rubber materials or product quality standards is a plus
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement practices

Manufacturing Operations Manager Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across a three-shift manufacturing environment with strong presence on the production floor
• Ensure equipment and processes operate efficiently while maintaining safety and quality standards
• Monitor and improve key production metrics like first-pass yield, scrap, downtime, and productivity
• Identify operational challenges and implement sustainable solutions using production data
• Set realistic capacity and performance goals while advocating for achievable expectations
• Develop and hold employees and leaders accountable for operational results
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to meet customer requirements
• Support process improvements during the company’s transition to a structured corporate environment

This role requires a proactive leader ready to engage directly with the operational challenges of a busy manufacturing facility. If you bring a data-driven approach, strong leadership, and a commitment to quality and safety, this position offers a rewarding next step in your career.