Operations Manager

Nexform Technologies; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

NexForm, headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan, seeks an Operations Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations, drive safety, quality, and productivity, and collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain to meet customer requirements.

The right candidate brings 7+ years of manufacturing leadership, a track record in Lean initiatives, and experience in production metrics. Automotive exposure is preferred, with a strong focus on budget and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven years of manufacturing experience.
• At least three years of operations leadership or supervisory experience.
• Automotive manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience leading Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing production, staffing, and operational performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives.
• Supervise Production Managers, Production Supervisors, and other operational leaders.
• Establish departmental goals aligned with plant and company objectives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Support succession planning and employee development initiatives.
• Ensure production schedules are executed efficiently while meeting customer requirements.
• Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions to achieve operational targets.
• Balance labor, equipment, and material resources to maximize productivity.
• Coordinate production priorities with Materials, Planning, and Customer Service.
• Ensure effective shift communication and operational continuity.
• Promote a culture where safety is the highest priority.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and company safety policies.
• Lead safety initiatives, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
• Maintain compliance with all plant operating procedures and regulatory requirements
• Partner with Quality to ensure products meet customer specifications and quality standards.
• Support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities.
• Monitor quality metrics and implement improvement initiatives.
• Support customer audits and new product launch activities.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Improve productivity, labor efficiency, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and throughput.
• Reduce waste, scrap, downtime, and manufacturing costs.
• Support development and management of departmental budgets.
• Monitor labor costs, overtime, productivity, scrap, and manufacturing expenses.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Support capital planning and return-on-investment analyses.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Lean manufacturing

Process optimization

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field

Job description

BUILD THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION

A fast-paced, high-impact environment where innovation, collaboration, and ownership drive everything we do. Here, your work makes a difference.

Opportunities to learn, grow, and lead.

Training Programs

Drive excellence in production with advanced training.

Innovation Environment

Ensure the highest standards in everything we deliver

EXPLORE OUR DEPARTMENTS

ENGINEERING

Design, develop and optimize solutions

MANUFACTURING

Drive excellence in production and processes

QUALITY

Ensure the highest standards in everything

CORPORATE

Support and enhance operational efficiency

Join the Nexform Team

We are always looking for talented and passionate individuals to join our team. Submit your application and take the next step in your professional journey with Nexform.

Position: Operations Manager

Location: Battle Creek, MI

Job Id:122

# of Openings:0

Operations Manager

Department: Operations

Reports to: Plant Manager

Location: Battle Creek, MI

We’re looking for a forward-thinking problem solver and change-maker ready to help take NexForm to the next level. The Operations Manager is responsible for leading daily manufacturing operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of quality products that meet customer requirements. This position oversees production activities, supervises operations leadership, and partners with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) to achieve operational objectives.

The Operations Manager drives operational excellence through continuous improvement, employee development, and effective execution of production plans while supporting the plant's strategic goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives.
• Supervise Production Managers, Production Supervisors, and other operational leaders.
• Establish departmental goals aligned with plant and company objectives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Support succession planning and employee development initiatives.
• Ensure production schedules are executed efficiently while meeting customer requirements.
• Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions to achieve operational targets.
• Balance labor, equipment, and material resources to maximize productivity.
• Coordinate production priorities with Materials, Planning, and Customer Service.
• Ensure effective shift communication and operational continuity.
• Promote a culture where safety is the highest priority.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and company safety policies.
• Lead safety initiatives, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
• Maintain compliance with all plant operating procedures and regulatory requirements
• Partner with Quality to ensure products meet customer specifications and quality standards.
• Support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities.
• Monitor quality metrics and implement improvement initiatives.
• Support customer audits and new product launch activities.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Improve productivity, labor efficiency, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and throughput.
• Reduce waste, scrap, downtime, and manufacturing costs.
• Support development and management of departmental budgets.
• Monitor labor costs, overtime, productivity, scrap, and manufacturing expenses.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Support capital planning and return-on-investment analyses.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum of seven years of manufacturing experience.
• At least three years of operations leadership or supervisory experience.
• Automotive manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience leading Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing production, staffing, and operational performance metrics.

Who We Are

NexForm, headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan, is a vertically integrated manufacturer of engineered fiber solutions for automotive thermal and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) applications. We design and produce lightweight, durable components for leading OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, with operations in the U.S. and Mexico. Backed by Crest Rock, NexForm is focused on growth through innovation, expanded capabilities, and operational excellence.

NexForm offers competitive compensation and benefits package (including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, Rx, life insurance, disability coverage, 401K and company match, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement eligibility, etc.)

NexForm is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At NexForm, we take pride in our diverse team. Our organization is made up of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, races, beliefs, and experiences, all united by a shared goal of making a positive impact. We’ve seen firsthand the strength that equity brings and believe everyone should have equal opportunities to grow, succeed, and live with purpose.

Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters

Please note that, in accordance with NexForm Technologies policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. Any agency, individual, or entity that submits a resume without prior authorization does so with the understanding that Motus reserves the right to hire the candidate at its discretion without any obligation to pay a fee.

Engineering smarter industrial solutions
through advanced fiber technology