Operations Manager

Superior Essex Inc.; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Superior Essex Inc. is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee daily plant operations across manufacturing, quality, engineering and maintenance at our Fort Wayne location. You will drive efficiency, manage costs, and develop staff while aligning with overall business objectives.

The role requires strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a proven track record in manufacturing environments. You will lead safety initiatives and continuous improvement efforts, and partner with sales

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Production/Industrial/Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Experience in production management, machining, quality, processing, assembly, data processing, direct labor standards, personnel management, and labor relations.
• Ability to adapt to demanding and changing production schedules and resolve complex manufacturing issues using sound technical judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Experience on a fast-paced production floor with typical shop conditions; some travel to other Essex locations may be involved.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn company-specific software and business systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations including manufacturing, quality, engineering and maintenance.
• Coordinate production activities and monitor operating costs to meet budget and goals.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance efficiency, quality and productivity.
• Develop employees, enforce safety and housekeeping regulations, and manage labor relations.
• Prepare forecasts, budgets, CAPEX and reports; present recommendations to VP of Operations.
• Collaborate with sales and business development to close opportunities and drive additional business.
• Review production data and drive corrective actions to meet quality specifications.

Skills

People management

Operational leadership

Manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Budgeting

Forecasting

Safety compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Process optimization

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Production/Industrial/Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP software

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the general guidance of the VP of Operations, the Operations Manager oversees daily plant operations, including manufacturing, quality, engineering, and maintenance. This role coordinates production activities, monitors and controls operating costs, develops employees, and drives continuous improvement to enhance efficiency, quality, and productivity. The Operations Manager leads manufacturing operations at the Active location and collaborates closely with other departments to meet production goals, optimize resources, and support overall business objectives.

skills And Abilities Required

• Work directly with hourly associates, manufacturing supervisor and engineering supervisor to provide our customers with products that meet their specifications through continual improvements.
• Continuously train and improve subordinate supervisors by providing guidance, assisting in more complex issues, administering company policies, enforcing safety, and housekeeping regulations.
• Handle grievances beyond the scope and/or capabilities of subordinate and take immediate action on employee complaints to ensure high morale, keeping leadership informed.
• Direct and coordinate operations, resolve difficulties in maintaining production output, and ensure that product quality and accuracy standards are maintained at all times.
• Prepare monthly forecasts, budgets, CAPEX and other reports as needed. Submit reports and make recommendations to the VP of Operations and other members of leadership for improving the general operation of the plant.
• Participate in equipment and plant layout planning, machine and equipment changes or replacements, engineering process improvements, and other changes used to improve quality, reduce materials handling, and facilitate workflow.
• Review scrap and rework reports to take appropriate corrective action to ensure conformance to quality specifications.
• Keep informed on long range production plans, production orders released, work backlogs, changes in schedules, engineering changes, expenses and costs. Review various reports on status of production, individual, group, and departmental productivity, supply, material and utilities costs, direct and indirect labor costs, and take corrective action on deficiencies as required.
• Work with sales and business development teams to close opportunities that drive additional business.
• Continuously develop your own professional and technical competence, maintaining awareness of advances in manufacturing management, labor relations, new materials, products, machines, equipment, instruments, methods and processes.
• Perform other related duties as directed by the VP of Operations.

Education And Experience Required

• Bachelors Degreen in Production Management, Industrial Management, or Engineering preferred; or equitable experience in Industrial Management
• Experience with production management, machining, fabricating, quality, processing, assembly, data processing, direct labor standards, personnel management, and labor relations.
• Must be able to adapt to demanding and changing production schedules and resolve complex manufacturing issues using sound technical judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced industrial environment, spending considerable amount of time on the production floor exposed to usual shop conditions including some noise, oil, dirt and/or fumes. Occasional travel to other Essex locations may be involved.
• Must be able to handle confidential and sensitive information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and effectively use company-specific software and business systems.

Scope Of Duties And Responsibilities

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.