Operations Manager

Birmingham Search Group; Brighton (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary + bonus

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Birmingham Search Group is seeking an Operations Manager for an e-coat facility in Brighton, MI. You will lead daily manufacturing operations, drive safety, quality, and efficiency, and manage a team of supervisors and technicians.

You will optimize production schedules, implement Lean and 5S, and ensure EPA/OSHA compliance while monitoring KPIs and coordinating with Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Experience in coatings, e-coat, powder coating, or automotive finishing is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems and process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee e-coat production operations including pretreatment, coating, curing, and post-processing.
• Lead and develop a team of supervisors, technicians, and staff to meet safety, quality, and production targets.
• Optimize schedules, throughput, and resource use while maintaining quality standards.
• Champion Lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement to reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with EPA, OSHA, and chemical handling regulations.
• Monitor KPIs such as FTQ, OTD, scrap, uptime, and cost per unit.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to minimize downtime.
• Manage operating budgets and identify opportunities for capital improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Safety culture

Data-driven decisions

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Manufacturing/Operations Management

Tools

ERP systems

Process control software

Job description

Job Posting: Operations Manager – E-Coat Facility

Location: Brighton, Michigan
Department: Plant Operations
Pay - $85,000 - $100,000
Reports To: President

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to lead daily operations at our e-coat (electrophoretic coating) facility. This critical leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence, safety quality, and efficiency in a high-volume manufacturing environment focused on premium, protective coatings for metal components.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all aspects of e-coat production operations, including pretreatment, coating application, curing, and post-processing.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production supervisors, technicians, and support staff to achieve safety, quality, and production targets.
• Optimize production schedules, throughput, and resource utilization while maintaining strict quality standards.
• Implement and sustain Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve process efficiency.
• Ensure full compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations (EPA, OSHA, etc.), particularly those related to chemical handling, wastewater treatment, and hazardous materials in e-coat processes.
• Monitor and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) including First-Time Quality (FTQ), On-Time Delivery (OTD), scrap rates, uptime, and cost per unit.
• Troubleshoot process issues related to bath chemistry, voltage, temperature, coating thickness, and line performance.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to minimize downtime and resolve technical challenges.
• Manage operating budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for capital improvements or process automation.
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure all team members adhere to proper PPE and safe operating procedures.

Qualifications & Experience Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in coatings, e-coat, powder coating, or automotive finishing operations.
• Strong working knowledge of e-coat chemistry, process parameters, equipment (rectifiers, tanks, UF systems, ovens), and troubleshooting.
• Proven track record in Lean/Six Sigma methodologies and data-driven decision making.
• Knowledge of ERP systems

What We Offer:

• Competitive base salary + performance bonus
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth