Operations Manager

Vickers Engineering, Inc.; New Troy (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in New Troy, Michigan is seeking an Operations Manager to direct and oversee all manufacturing operations. The role involves establishing operational standards, leading production activities, and implementing Lean Manufacturing practices. Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in business administration or engineering, plus at least five years of operations leadership experience in a high-volume manufacturing setting, preferably automotive. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of operations leadership experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and process improvement.
• Experience with employee training and development programs.

Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees all manufacturing operations.
• Establishes operational standards for cost control and safety.
• Leads implementation of manufacturing policies and Lean practices.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Planning capability

Lean Manufacturing

Communication

Customer orientation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Engineering, or related field

Job description

Schedule: Monday through Friday (8:00AM–5:00PM); overtime as needed

General Description

Directs and oversees all manufacturing operations for the Company. This role is responsible for building and developing the operations organization, establishing processes and procedures that support the Company’s strategic direction, and driving continuous improvement across safety, quality, cost, delivery, and employee relations. Ensures daily production goals are met while maintaining compliance with company policies, customer expectations, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Establishes operational standards for cost control, waste reduction, quality, safety, and complete/on time delivery.
• Leads daily production activities, including labor planning, production scheduling, and material control to meet customer and organizational requirements.
• Directs implementation and execution of manufacturing policies and Lean Manufacturing practices across the organization.
• Ensures production follows all quality standards and customer specifications.
• Builds, develops, and manages the operations leadership team to execute operational strategies and strengthen employee relations.
• Promotes a culture of mutual respect, teamwork, accountability, and ownership at all levels of the organization.
• Provides leadership for problem resolution to drive rapid improvements and enhance working relationships.
• Provides leadership through a 6–12-month planning cycle and contributes to long‑range (1–2 year) operational planning.
• Oversee the operations budget to ensure compliance with organizational expenditure requirements.
• Ensures compliance with state, federal, and environmental regulations, including wastewater, chemical handling, and related programs.
• Leads or participates in safety programs, including training, incident investigation, and workers’ compensation processes.
• Oversee the development and execution of training programs, including training matrices, onboarding, and employee development initiatives.
• Manages direct employees’ schedules, vacation, and attendance through the company’s time management system.
• Ensures consistent application of company policies and, where applicable, union contract provisions.
• Supports and drives 5S initiatives and overall plant cleanliness.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum five years of operations leadership experience in a high‑volume manufacturing environment; automotive experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead people and achieve results through others.
• Strong planning capability, including the ability to think ahead and plan over a 1–2-year horizon.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with manufacturing systems development and deployment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills at both strategic and functional levels.
• Technical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, process improvement, materials management, freight and distribution, and production scheduling.
• Experience with employee training and development programs.
• Strong customer orientation and commitment to company values.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working in a union environment is preferred or required depending on location.

Physical Requirements

• Walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, lifting, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds or more.
• Ability to respond to plant‑wide announcements and navigate a manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to forklifts and heavy equipment traffic.
• Dusty or noisy conditions typical of a manufacturing environment.
• Temperature fluctuations due to open doors or outdoor work.
• Potential exposure to slippery floors, coolants, oils, fumes, and hazardous materials.
• Handling parts with sharp edges may be required.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Safety glasses are required on the shop floor.
• Additional PPE as required by specific tasks or areas.