Operations Manager

USTBC ABB Installation Products Inc.; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ABB is seeking a Plant Manager in Fort Smith, AR to lead manufacturing operations. You will oversee production, safety, quality, and on-time delivery, coordinating with shift managers and cross-functional teams to meet demand and budget targets.

This onsite role requires strong leadership, lean manufacturing expertise, and a track record of improving performance while maintaining a safe, compliant work environment. You will drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across the plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 10+ years in manufacturing leadership.
• Associate's degree with 12+ years in manufacturing, including 5+ years in leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, compliant, and quality-focused operations by maintaining world-class HSE standards and ensuring on-time delivery.
• Develop and lead a high-performing workforce through talent management, engagement, and coaching.
• Drive lean practices, optimize productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality and delivery metrics.
• Manage performance and customer engagement through budget ownership and alignment with growth goals.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Quality management

Communication

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing or related field

Associate's degree in manufacturing or related field

Tools

ERP systems

QMS software

Job description

At ABB , we help industries run leaner and cleaner-and every person here makes that happen. You'll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This position reports to: Plant Manager

The work model for the role is: Onsite #LI-Onsite

Your role and responsibilities:

Ensure efficient and cost-effective production results that meet order demand, specifications, quality, and planning targets through the coordination and management of plant equipment, personnel, and production processes (quantity, quality, budgeted costs and proper productivity level).

Responsible for safe operations, operating within the quality specifications of the company, and meeting production standards and goals. Will oversee all areas of production, including managing shift & area managers, working with scheduling to ensure on time delivery, working with quality and engineering to ensure product is meeting specifications, and working with safety to ensure that the production employees have a safe work environment. Ensure positive communications with production supervisors, and the hourly production employees. Create a fair and consistent employee relations environment and lead by example. Will oversee the plant training function to ensure an effective employee training program. Be proactive with cross training and compliance training for all employees.

Our Team Dynamics

Our teams support each other, collaborate, and never stop learning. Everyone brings something unique, and together we push ideas forward to solve real problems. Being part of our team means your work matters - because the progress we make here creates real impact out there.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Lead safe, compliant, and quality‑focused operations by maintaining world‑class HSE standards, mitigating risks, and ensuring defect‑free, on‑time delivery that meets customer requirements.
• Develop and lead a high‑performing workforce through effective talent management, employee engagement, performance coaching, workforce flexibility, and a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement by implementing lean principles, optimizing productivity and working capital, reducing costs, improving quality and delivery performance, and achieving operational goals and metrics.
• Manage business performance and customer engagement through budget ownership, resource optimization, manufacturing capability support for customer visits, and alignment of operations with business growth objectives.

Qualifications for the role:

• Bachelor's degree with 10+ years OR Associate's degree with 12+ years experience in manufacturing related roles such as production, purchasing, planning, or scheduling management, including 5+ years of leadership or management experience.
• Proven leadership ability with experience supervising teams, leading projects, and driving results in fast‑paced, changing environments.
• Strong problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis skills with a demonstrated ability to resolve manufacturing and operational challenges.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, quality management systems, and continuous improvement methodologies; Lean certification preferred.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Candidates must already have work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in the US.

More about us:

ABB's NEMA Motors Division is the global leading electric NEMA motors manufacturer. With more than 4,500 employees across the globe and seven manufacturing locations that produce more than 1.6 million motors every year, the division powers its customers from many industries with safe, reliable energy‑efficient and effective solutions. NEMA Motors Division is a trusted leader with the shortest lead time and the broadest modularized product offering.

What's in it for you

We want you to bring your full self to work-your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You'll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.

ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff…

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their- sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.

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