Operations Manager

Actalent; Minnesota; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Operations Manager to lead and optimize production, supply chain, logistics, and quality assurance. You will own value streams, implement strategic initiatives, and drive continuous improvement across the organization.

The role requires 5+ years in manufacturing operations, strong leadership, and a data-driven approach to achieve efficiency, cost reduction, and superior quality. A manufacturing/medical device background is preferred, with a focus on regulatory compliance

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in operations management in manufacturing.
• Experience leading operations teams to achieve business goals and objectives.
• Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma experience.
• Experience in medical device CM or OEM preferred.
• Proven ability to drive continuous improvement and optimize processes.
• Strong project management and stakeholder coordination.
• Data-driven decision making and analytics.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize operations across production, supply chain, logistics, and quality assurance.
• Own one or more value streams and drive performance and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Drive cost reduction and resource optimization.
• Establish standardized operating procedures and best practices.
• Monitor KPIs and act on performance gaps.
• Coach and develop a high-performance operations team.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and quality requirements.
• Manage supplier relationships and drive supply chain excellence.
• Oversee inventory management to minimize obsolescence and ensure availability.
• Collaborate with engineering to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Apply lean tools and value stream mapping to reduce waste.
• Support projects related to new product introductions and process changes.
• Maintain strong customer relations through reliable operations and on-time delivery.

Skills

Operations management

Team leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Supplier relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree in operations management

Bachelor's degree in business administration

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Operations Manager

Job Description

The Operations Manager leads and optimizes all aspects of operational processes across production, supply chain, logistics, and quality assurance. This role drives efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement by developing and executing operational strategies aligned with business objectives. The Operations Manager collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, oversees one or more value streams, and ensures consistent, high-quality operations while fostering a high-performance culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of operations, including production, supply chain, logistics, and quality assurance, to ensure smooth and efficient processes across the organization.
• Assume full ownership of one or more value streams, ensuring performance, quality, and continuous improvement within those areas.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, goals, and initiatives that align with overall business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize the use of resources.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, implement, and maintain standardized operating procedures and best practices to ensure consistency and quality throughout all operations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to assess performance, identify issues, and implement timely corrective actions.
• Lead, inspire, and develop a team of operations professionals by providing clear direction, coaching, feedback, and growth opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, industry standards, and quality requirements across all operational processes.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, to manage relationships, negotiate contracts, and drive operational excellence throughout the supply chain.
• Implement and oversee effective inventory management practices to optimize inventory levels, minimize obsolescence, and ensure product availability.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices in operations management and proactively apply this knowledge to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with manufacturing engineering and process engineering teams to optimize manufacturing processes and support process improvement projects.
• Utilize lean manufacturing, value stream mapping, and process optimization tools to streamline workflows and eliminate waste.
• Support project management activities related to operational changes, new product introductions, and process improvements.
• Maintain strong customer relations by ensuring reliable operations, consistent quality, and on-time delivery.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management, preferably in a manufacturing or closely related industry.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing operations teams to achieve business goals and objectives.
• Strong knowledge of operations management principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Demonstrated experience in process optimization, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies (such as Six Sigma).
• Experience leading operations and programs within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in the medical device industry, either contract manufacturing (CM) or original equipment manufacturer (OEM), is strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with continuous improvement, lean, and process optimization initiatives.
• Manufacturing engineering and process engineering experience related to operational and process improvement.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, and stakeholder coordination.
• Proficiency in using operational management software and tools to drive efficiency and productivity.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire high performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate and influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with suppliers and external partners.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in operations management, business administration, or a related field.
• Advanced degree in a related discipline is preferred.
• Experience with lean ma