Operations Manager

Socket.dev; La Mirada (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MEI is seeking an Operations Manager to lead day-to-day rigging and/or crating operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with customer specs. You will plan, direct, and coordinate activities, support policy development, budgeting, and strategic operational planning at all levels.

You will coach teams, manage schedules and resources, and collaborate with vendors while maintaining high safety standards and performance metrics across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field (Business Admin / Operations).
• 5–10+ years in construction, operations, or industrial settings; rigging/crane experience preferred.
• Prior supervisory experience is a plus.
• Strong safety knowledge and commitment to a safe workplace.
• Proven leadership and people management, ability to assign tasks and drive accountability.
• Track record of meeting production goals and KPIs; identify efficiency improvements.
• Proficient with MS Office and ERP/operational software.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate department activities to ensure material, labor, and equipment readiness per job requirements.
• Oversee administrative functions: training, onboarding, reporting, schedules, and logistics.
• Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely material and equipment availability.
• Establish and implement operational protocols including staffing, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Set department goals with managers and the General Manager and monitor progress.
• Ensure processes comply with laws, regulations, and customer specs.
• Mentor employees and resolve minor issues; provide guidance on operations.
• Participate in job walks, equipment inspections, and budget reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Safety compliance

Project management

Communication

People management

Problem solving

Deductive reasoning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration / Operations Management

Tools

MS Office Suite

ERP systems

Smartsheet

Job description

Position Summary:

The Operations Manager is responsible for supporting and managing the day-to-day operations of rigging and/or crating functions to ensure the efficient use of time, materials, and equipment, and the work performed is done in a safe and effective manner. The Operations Manager will be involved in planning, directing, or coordinating operational activities. Will assist with policy formation and enforcement, budgeting, planning materials or labor resources, and be actively involved in processes and strategic planning affecting operations at all levels.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Direct and coordinate various department activities to ensure all materials, labor, equipment, and necessary items are available per job-specific or customer-specific requirements.


• Oversee administrative functions for assigned areas. This can include training, on-boarding, report generation, record-keeping, approving schedules, or dispatch and logistics coordination.


• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers so all necessary materials or equipment is ready and available when needed, and operations are sustained.


• Establish and implement operational protocols that may include temporary staffing, safety, information dissemination, or emergency procedures.


• Set and oversee department goals or objectives in conjunction with managers, foremen, and the General Manager.


• Evaluate processes to ensure they are compliant with laws, regulations, and customer or company specifications.


• Act as coach and/or mentor for employee and team development; resolve minor employee issues or conflicts.


• Participate in job walks, equipment inspection, review budget requirements and/or constraints, and provide overall guidance for operations or other departments as needed and requested.


• Act as professional MEI representative to external customers, vendors, agencies, and other on-site contractors.


• Perform all other duties as necessary and assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Experience, Skills, and Education):

• Bachelor’s degree or higher – preferably in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field; vocational certifications helpful but not required.


• Five to ten (5-10) years or more of experience in construction, operations, industrial applications, or similar experience needed. Direct rigging and/or crane industry experience highly preferred but not required.


• Prior supervisory background or knowledge preferred.


• Strong understanding of workplace safety requirements, policies, and best practices, with a demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant workplace environment.


• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to assign tasks/projects effectively, motivate teams, drive accountability, and effectively oversee day-to-day operations.


• Proven ability to ensure production goals and key performance metrics are consistently achieved, while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and revenue.


• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and experienced with ERP systems, Smartsheet, and other business and operational management software.


• Ability to view differing situations from several perspectives using deductive and/or inductive reasoning.


• Communicates effectively (written and verbal) with all levels of staff.


• Motivates others to perform work safely, efficiently, and with consideration of environment and materials to minimize waste and maximize resources.


• Ability to make judgement calls, problem-solve, or act with limited information.


• Intermediate use of a Windows-based computer system, including various software such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).


• Ability to manage multiple projects, people, job sites, or resources simultaneously.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

This is very physical, hands-on work. An Operations Manager must be able to perform General Physical Activities - activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials up to 50 pounds. Willing and able to work in a non-temperature-controlled environment and/or outdoors in all types of weather, and over uneven ground or terrain. Frequent work sitting at a computer with use of keyboard/mouse. Will frequently use senses involving sight, sound, speech, or touch.

Additional Requirements:

Work with a Top-of-Mind Awareness for the safety of yourself and everyone at the job site. Must be able to work in a high functioning team environment. Display the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Take pride in your work and in the company. Communicate openly and strive for peak performance in daily tasks. Know and deliver the quality service MEI's customers have come to expect.

Disclaimer:

This job description is intended to summarize the type and level of work performed by an Operations Manager and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or requirements. MEI reserves the right to change or modify this job description or the essential duties of the job, as necessary.

MEI is an Equal Opportunity, M/F/Disabled/Vet Preferred Employer.