Operations Leader - Complex Auto Manufacturing & Lean

Kingfisher Recruiting; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kingfisher Recruiting is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing environment, preferably automotive supplier space. You will lead production teams, drive Lean initiatives, ensure on-time delivery, and manage costs and quality to achieve targets.

The role requires a hands-on leader capable of sustaining continuous improvement, implementing 8D actions, and supporting new program launches in a fast-paced facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and problem-solving methodologies is required.
• Experience managing complex manufacturing operations, especially in automotive supplier environments, is a must.
• Experience with financial controls, budgeting, labor management, and KPIs.
• Proven leadership, communication, and organizational skills with ability to drive results.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Lead production teams to meet customer schedules and manufacturing requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, Lean, 5S, and operational efficiencies.
• Monitor labor, machine utilization, costs, and production performance.
• Develop and lead Production Supervisors, Team Leaders, Technicians, and staff.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and safety policies.
• Lead root-cause analysis and 8D actions for quality and downtime issues.
• Support new program launches and ramp-up activities.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase plant profitability.
• Communicate performance and improvement results to senior management.
• Foster employee engagement and a culture of operational excellence.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Problem-Solving

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Decision-Making

Team Development

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience

Job description

Kingfisher Recruiting is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing environment, preferably automotive supplier space. You will lead production teams, drive Lean initiatives, ensure on-time delivery, and manage costs and quality to achieve targets.

The role requires a hands-on leader capable of sustaining continuous improvement, implementing 8D actions, and supporting new program launches in a fast-paced facility.