Manufacturing Operations Manager - Lean & Continuous Improvement

Accounting Search; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Accounting Search seeks an Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations in a complex manufacturing plant, with a focus on safety, quality, on-time delivery, and cost targets. The role requires hands-on leadership, driving Lean initiatives, and aligning production with customer schedules in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will have experience managing automotive supplier operations, supporting new program launches, and a proven ability to develop teams, implement corrective

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex manufacturing operations.
• Automotive supplier experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting new program launches and 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.

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

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Problem-solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing leadership or related field

Job description

Accounting Search seeks an Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations in a complex manufacturing plant, with a focus on safety, quality, on-time delivery, and cost targets. The role requires hands-on leadership, driving Lean initiatives, and aligning production with customer schedules in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will have experience managing automotive supplier operations, supporting new program launches, and a proven ability to develop teams, implement corrective