Operations Manager

Dexter; Fremont (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dexter is seeking an Operations Manager for our Fremont, Indiana facility. This leadership role involves overseeing operations, championing safety and quality, driving operational performance, and managing financial outcomes. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and over 7 years of relevant manufacturing experience. Responsibilities include directing production planning, ensuring customer satisfaction, fostering continuous improvement, and developing talent. Strong leadership, communication skills, and analytical abilities are required.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in Safety, Quality, Production, and Customer Service.
• Strong background in continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for plant operations across multiple functions.
• Champion safety and quality excellence in production.
• Manage financial performance including P&L and budget adherence.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Efficiency

Lean Manufacturing

Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering or related discipline

Job description

At Dexter, we don’t just build axles, brakes, and suspension systems — we build the backbone of industries. From RVs exploring the open road to agricultural equipment powering America’s fields, our products keep people and businesses moving.

We are seeking an Operations Manager to lead and oversee all aspects of operations at our Fremont, Indiana facility. This is a high‑impact leadership role responsible for driving operational performance across production, materials, quality, and customer service while developing teams and delivering strong financial results.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Site Operations – Provide overall leadership for plant operations, including production, materials, scheduling, shipping, quality, and safety. Ensure alignment across functions to meet business and customer objectives.
• Champion Safety, Quality & Customer Experience – Establish and sustain a culture of safety and quality excellence while ensuring superior customer service through on‑time delivery and reliable execution.
• Drive Operational Performance – Own key performance indicators across the operation, including productivity, efficiency, scrap, and delivery. Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize throughput and reduce waste.
• Oversee Production & Supply Chain Execution – Direct production planning, labor utilization, and materials flow to ensure efficient operations and responsiveness to customer demand.
• Own Financial Performance (P&L) – Manage and influence site‑level financial performance, including labor costs, productivity, and budget adherence. Understand and act on the drivers impacting profitability.
• Lead Continuous Improvement Culture – Champion lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement efforts, including performance metrics tied to incentive‑based systems.
• Develop & Engage Talent – Build, coach, and develop a high‑performing leadership team. Foster a team‑oriented, flexible, and accountable culture while driving strong communication and employee recognition.
• Drive Cross‑Functional Collaboration – Partner with engineering, supply chain, HR, and leadership teams to execute strategic initiatives and improve overall business performance.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or operations, with multi‑functional responsibility.
• Demonstrated expertise across Safety, Quality, Production, Scheduling, Shipping, Materials, and Customer Service in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and operational efficiency, including experience with performance metrics and incentive‑based systems.
• Solid understanding of P&L management, cost drivers, and how operational decisions impact financial outcomes.
• Proven ability to lead in a team‑oriented, fast‑paced, and flexible environment.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a track record of driving engagement, accountability, and workforce recognition.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a focus on execution and results.