Operations Manager

ABEC; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

ABEC in Bethlehem, PA seeks a dynamic Operations Leader to drive manufacturing performance, Lean Six Sigma initiatives, and a safety-focused culture. You will lead staffing, equipment, and workflow decisions to maximize efficiency and meet customer expectations.

You will build and mentor a high-performing team, collaborate cross-functionally, and push for continuous improvement across the plant to sustain profitability and growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; technical degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of production processes and capacity planning.
• Ability to read engineering drawings.
• Proven ability to motivate teams and improve KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of manufacturing output; ensure on-time production and quality.
• Adjust staffing, equipment, and workflows to peak performance.
• Build trust and engagement across all shifts.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, CI initiatives to boost productivity and quality.
• Develop and mentor high-performing teams; promote safety and accountability.
• Collaborate with Quality to maintain standards and resolve issues.
• Oversee daily operations and align plans with broader business goals.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing

Lean Six Sigma

Capacity planning

Engineering drawings

Team motivation

Communication

Problem solving

Safety

Training

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Engineering preferred)

Job description

Description

Driving Operations Excellence Through Leadership and Innovation

Step into a dynamic leadership role where you’ll be at the heart of our operations—driving performance, innovation, and efficiency. In this role, you’ll lead the charge in delivering on-time, high-quality products while continuously elevating manufacturing performance. You’ll champion lean principles, optimize resources, and build a thriving, engaged team culture where people and productivity excel together.

If you’re passionate about operational excellence, team development, and making a measurable impact, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of our manufacturing success.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)

Lead the Operation

• Take ownership of manufacturing output—ensuring production runs efficiently, stays on schedule, and consistently meets customer expectations.
• Proactively adjust staffing, equipment, and workflows to keep operations running at peak performance.
• Maintain strong visibility on the floor, building trust and engagement with your team across all shifts.

Drive Continuous Improvement

• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and elevate quality.
• Analyze metrics and performance data to identify opportunities and implement meaningful, lasting improvements.
• Stay ahead of operational challenges and lead solutions that drive efficiency and cost leadership.

Build & Develop High-Performing Teams

• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and elevate quality.
• Create a positive, accountable work environment where safety, collaboration, and performance thrive.
• Recognize and motivate employees to meet key performance indicators (KPIs) and exceed expectations.

Ensure Quality & Safety Excellence

• Partner with Quality teams to maintain world-class standards and quickly resolve any issues.
• Lead a safety-first culture - ensuring compliance, conducting training, and investigating incidents with urgency and care.
• Uphold high standards of compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Collaborate & Execute

• Work cross-functionally with other departments to solve problems and improve overall business performance.
• Set strategic departmental goals and execute plans that align with broader organizational objectives.
• Oversee daily operations, assign work, and ensure all processes run smoothly and effectively.

What You Bring (Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree (Engineering preferred)
• 3–5 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of production processes, capacity planning, and equipment utilization
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
• Proven ability to motivate teams, improve KPIs, and drive plant profitability
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Highly organized with strong time management and planning abilities
• Experience with Lean / Six Sigma / Continuous Improvement (a plus)

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility as needed
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Willingness to travel as required

Why This Role is Exciting

• Make a real impact on operations, people, and performance
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that drive innovation
• Build and mentor a team that you can be proud of
• Be part of a culture focused on excellence, growth, and collaboration

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required – technical degree preferred
• 3-5 years’ supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to read engineering drawings
• Experience with capacity planning, from a people and equipment perspective
• Able to train and motivate employees to create quality product, increase KPI's and growth the profitability of this plant.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with professional presentation and negotiation skills
• Must be flexible, innovative and comfortable in setting own priorities
• Polished presentation, business acumen and facilitation skills
• Good understanding of lean manufacturing principles
• Experience with high volume manufacturing operations
• Strong organization and planning skills
• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time
• Must be able to lift 50lb
• Fluent written and spoken English
• Working knowledge of continuous improvement or lean manufacturing a plus
• Authorized to work in the US
• Awareness of and prior experience with implementing Continuous Improvement (CI) a plus.
• Prior Lean/Six Sigma experience a plus