Operations Manager

gpac; Aurora (KS); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

gpac is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations with a strong focus on safety, teamwork, quality, and continuous improvement. The ideal leader teaches, coaches, and develops employees to build high-performing teams.

This role emphasizes accountability, clear expectations, and working cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Sales, HR, and Supply Chain to drive growth and improvements across the operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 7+ years of senior manufacturing management experience.
• Strong leadership and people development capabilities.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma principles.
• ERP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop production and distribution teams while creating a safe, efficient, and collaborative operation.
• Hire, train, coach, and develop employees while supporting engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Work closely with production leadership to establish priorities and keep teams aligned.
• Build strong working relationships across Production, Engineering, Sales, HR, Supply Chain, and other departments.
• Drive continuous improvement, quality, and safety initiatives.
• Develop production plans and schedules that support business growth.
• Support capital projects and operational improvements.
• Partner with Engineering and Maintenance to improve equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Work with the Plant Manager to develop and execute business strategy.

Skills

Leadership

People development

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

ERP experience

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations for an established organization with a strong focus on safety, teamwork, quality, and continuous improvement.

This is an opportunity for a leader who believes great operations start with great people. The ideal candidate is a teacher and coach who enjoys developing employees, building strong teams, and bringing people together around a common goal.

We're looking for someone who leads through their people, sets clear expectations, holds teams accountable, and gives employees the support and direction they need to succeed.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and develop production and distribution teams while creating a safe, efficient, and collaborative operation
• Hire, train, coach, and develop employees while supporting engagement, satisfaction, and retention
• Work closely with production leadership to establish priorities and keep teams aligned
• Build strong working relationships across Production, Engineering, Sales, Human Resources, Supply Chain, and other departments
• Drive continuous improvement, quality, and safety initiatives
• Develop production plans and schedules that support business growth
• Support capital projects and operational improvements
• Partner with Engineering and Maintenance to improve equipment reliability and minimize downtime
• Work with the Plant Manager to develop and execute business strategy

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 7+ years of senior manufacturing management experience
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations
• Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing production teams
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma principles
• Ability to build accountability and teamwork without micromanaging
• Experience with production planning, quality, safety, and continuous improvement
• ERP experience preferred

WHY CONSIDER THIS OPPORTUNITY?

If you’re the kind of leader who enjoys teaching, coaching, developing people, and bringing teams together, this is an opportunity to have a meaningful impact across the entire operation.

The organization values safety and teamwork and is looking for a leader who can strengthen both while continuing to improve the business.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.