Operations Manager

Copeland; Natchitoches (LA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Copeland is seeking an Operations Manager at our Natchitoches, LA site to lead all manufacturing operations, ensuring safe, efficient and cost-effective production of compressor products. You will drive safety, quality, cost and performance, and work with cross-functional teams to achieve business goals.

The role requires senior-level manufacturing leadership, Lean/Six Sigma expertise, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, Operations Management or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing supervisors and production teams.
• Strong Lean Manufacturing and problem-solving methodologies; track record of safety, quality, cost and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety culture and ensure OSHA and environmental compliance.
• Direct daily manufacturing operations to meet production schedules and customer requirements.
• Partner with Quality to ensure products meet standards and drive corrective actions.
• Coach and develop supervisors and teams; foster accountability and teamwork.
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma and continuous improvement initiatives; use data to identify improvements.
• Manage budgets and control operating expenses; support annual planning.

Skills

Leadership

Safety

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analytics

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Team building

Operations management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Manufacturing/Business/Operations Management

MBA (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

Automation

Data analytics tools

Job description

About Us

We are a global climate technologies company engineered for sustainability. We create sustainable and efficient residential, commercial and industrial spaces through HVACR technologies. We protect temperature-sensitive goods throughout the cold chain. And we bring comfort to people globally. Best-in-class engineering, design and manufacturing combined with category-leading brands in compression, controls, software and monitoring solutions result in next-generation climate technology that is built for the needs of the world ahead.

Whether you are a professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring your first opportunity, or recent graduate with an advanced degree, we have opportunities that will allow you to innovate, be challenged and make an impact. Join our team and start your journey today!

If you are a MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS professional looking for an opportunity to grow, Copeland has an opening for you!

Based at our Natchitoches, LA location, you will be responsible for leading and directing all manufacturing operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality compressor products. This position provides leadership for production, safety, quality, maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives while driving operational excellence and a culture of accountability, teamwork, and employee engagement. The Operations Manager works closely with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives, improve plant performance, and support the long-term growth of the organization.

As An Operations Manager, You Will Be Responsible For

Safety Leadership

• Promoting and maintaining a strong safety culture where safety is the highest priority.
• Ensuring compliance with all OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and company safety policies.
• Leading safety initiatives, audits, risk assessments, and corrective action plans.
• Driving continuous improvement in workplace safety performance and employee participation.

Manufacturing Operations

• Directing daily manufacturing operations to achieve production schedules, customer requirements, and business objectives.
• Monitoring and improving key performance indicators (KPIs) including safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, and employee engagement.
• Ensuring efficient utilization of labor, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Identifying and eliminating operational bottlenecks impacting throughput and performance.

Quality and Customer Satisfaction

• Partnering with Quality teams to ensure products meet customer specifications and company standards.
• Leading problem-solving activities related to quality concerns and customer issues.
• Driving root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions.
• Promoting a culture of quality ownership throughout the organization.

Leadership and Employee Development

• Leading, coaching, and developing supervisors, managers, and manufacturing teams.
• Fostering a culture of accountability, ownership, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Conducting regular performance discussions, coaching sessions, and talent development activities.
• Supporting succession planning and workforce development initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

• Championing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Leading cost-reduction, waste elimination, productivity, and process improvement projects.
• Utilizing data analytics and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Supporting implementation of new technologies, automation, and best practices.

Financial Performance

• Managing departmental budgets and control operating expenses.
• Driving productivity improvements while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Supporting annual business planning and strategic operational initiatives.
• Ensuring achievement of financial and operational performance goals.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborating with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Human Resources, and Finance teams.
• Supporting new product introductions, capital projects, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Communicating operational results, challenges, and opportunities to senior leadership.

Schedule

This role is based fully onsite, and not eligible for hybrid or remote work opportunities. Typical hours are Monday - Friday, 8a - 5p.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, Operations Management, or related field. Equivalent experience in manufacturing operations may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive manufacturing experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing supervisors and production teams.
• Demonstrated success leading operations within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Proven experience managing safety, quality, production, and cost performance metrics.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) or related field.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience in automotive, HVAC, compressor, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of automated manufacturing systems and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Our Commitment to Our People

Across the globe, we are united by a singular Purpose: Sustainability is no small ambition. That’s why everything we do is geared toward a sustainable future—for our generation and all those to come. Through groundbreaking innovations, HVACR technology and cold chain solutions, we are reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency in spaces of all sizes, from residential to commercial to industrial.

Our employees are our greatest strength. We believe that our culture of passion, openness, and collaboration empowers us to work toward the same goal - to make the world a better place. We invest in the end-to-end development of our people, beginning at onboarding and through senior leadership, so they can thrive personally and professionally.

Flexible and competitive benefits plans offer the right options to meet your individual/family needs: medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) and more.

We provide employees with flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave, vacation and holiday leave.

Together, we have the opportunity – and the power – to continue to revolutionize the technology behind air conditioning, heating and refrigeration, and cultivate a better future. Learn more about us and how you can join our team!

Our Commitment to Inclusion & Belonging

At Copeland, we cultivate a strong sense of inclusion and belonging where individuals of all backgrounds, and with diverse perspectives, are embraced and treated fairly to enable a stronger workforce. Our employee resource groups play an important role in culture and community building at Copeland.

Work Authorization

Copeland will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 with OPT or CPT, H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Copeland is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

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