Operations Manager

True North Consultants, Inc.; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

True North Consultants, Inc. is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing environment, preferably automotive supplier-related.

You will drive continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, and 5S initiatives to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets. The role requires hands-on leadership, ability to manage production teams, support new program launches, and deliver measurable operational results while building a culture of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience in complex manufacturing operations; automotive supplier experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting new program launches and ramp-ups.
• 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.
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop talent, and drive measurable operational results.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Lead production teams and ensure customer schedules and requirements are met.
• Drive Lean, 5S, and other continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor labor efficiency, machine utilization, and costs.
• Develop Production Supervisors, Team Leaders, Technicians, and staff.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and safety policies.
• Lead root cause analysis and 8D actions to address issues.
• Support new program launches and ramp-up activities.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and boost profitability.
• Maintain a safe, organized, efficient environment.
• Report performance and improvements to senior management.
• Promote employee engagement and a culture of operational excellence.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Team Leadership

Operations Management

Problem Solving

Budgeting

KPIs

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience

Job description

*Must have experience in complex manufacturing operations*

Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day plant operations within a complex manufacturing environment, preferably within the automotive supplier industry. This role ensures efficient production of high-quality products, on-time delivery, and achievement of cost and operational targets. Requires a hands-on leader with a proven ability to drive continuous improvement and sustainable results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Operations Manager 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.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience.
• Proven experience managing complex manufacturing operations; automotive supplier experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting new program launches and production 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.
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop talent, and drive measurable operational results.