Operations Manager

Socket.dev; Fraser (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical/HSA benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Boot allowance

Hands-on tooling experience

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee daily plant operations in a fast-paced automotive molding setting. You will lead production, maintenance, scheduling, and logistics to meet safety, quality, and throughput targets.

Ideal candidates have 5–7 years in operations/plant management, strong knowledge of injection molding, tooling, robotics, and automation, plus proven lean Six Sigma experience and ERP proficiency. Expect a hands-on, high-impact role with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field required.
• Minimum 5–7 years of operations or plant management experience in plastics or automotive manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding processes, tooling, robotics, and automation.
• Experience leading teams and implementing lean manufacturing and Six Sigma practices.
• Proficient in ERP systems and production planning tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily plant operations spanning production, maintenance, scheduling, and logistics.
• Drive lean initiatives to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Monitor KPIs and make data-driven decisions to boost efficiency.
• Develop staff through training and a high-performance team culture.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and supply chain to meet targets.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 14001).
• Oversee capital projects and equipment upgrades as needed.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions for downtime and bottlenecks.
• Maintain clear communication with internal stakeholders and customers.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Manufacturing/Operations

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Production planning tools

Job description

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Operations Manager will oversee all daily operations of the plant, ensuring production goals are met safely, efficiently, and within quality standards. This individual will be responsible for leading a team across production, maintenance, scheduling, and logistics, and will play a key role in driving continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequency of duties, percent of time and work year may vary based on department or building assignment.

• Lead and manage all aspects of daily plant operations including production, planning, maintenance and materials.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and cost through lean manufacturing principles.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), making data-driven decisions to improve operational efficiency.
• Oversee staffing, training, and development of production personnel to build a high-performing team.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, quality, and supply chain departments to meet production and delivery targets.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 14001).
• Manage capital improvement projects and equipment upgrades as needed.
• Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions related to downtime, scrap, and production bottlenecks.
• Maintain effective communication with internal stakeholders and external customers as needed.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

• Competitive hourly pay based on your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including free medical/HSA coverage for employees earning under $75,000 annually who elect individual coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan to help you invest in your future.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays so you can recharge and spend time with family.
• Annual boot allowance for qualified safety toe footwear to keep you safe and comfortable.
• Hands-on experience with a wide variety of molds and tooling challenges, offering continuous learning and skill development.

Requirements

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field (required).
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in operations or plant management in a plastic injection molding or automotive manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding processes, tooling, robotics, and automation.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and implementing lean manufacturing and Six Sigma practices.
• Proficient in ERP systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and production planning tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment.
• Lean Six Sigma certification preferred
• Experience with IATF 16949 and PPAP processes preferred
• Hands-on knowledge of mold setup, changeovers, and troubleshooting preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands, work environment factors and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Able to stand, stoop, twist, climb and repetitively perform tasks for long periods of time (8 to 12 hours).
• Able to bend the body forward and downward while bending at the spine at the waist 45 degrees or more; bending below the waist or down toward an object on or near the ground.
• Able to work around hot molds, presses, cranes, and industrial equipment and work in tight spaces.
• Able to use hands and fingers to seize, hold, grasp objects.
• Ability to extend arms with the hands higher than the head; reaching at or below shoulder level.
• Ascend or descend ramps and/or stairs using feet and legs.
• Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds (machinery alarms, medical codes, or warnings).
• Work frequently in close proximity to machinery; noise levels are moderate.
• Close vision (distance of 20 inches or less) and ability to identify/distinguish colors.
• Hands-on role 60-80% of the time, with mixture of desk and computer duties.
• Temperature in facility can vary up to 90 degrees. Candidates must be able to perform duties in hot and cold environments..
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% to 100% of the time.
• Able to ascend/descend forklift and standing lift, trailers, steps, ladders etc.
• No aversion to heights