Operations Manager

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

*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, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop talent, and drive measurable operational results.