Operations Manager

Appvion, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Appvion, Inc. is seeking an Operations Manager to lead our manufacturing sites with a focus on safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.

You will drive continuous improvement, coach a high-performing team, and coordinate with cross-functional groups to optimize overall operational performance. The role requires proven leadership in a manufacturing environment, strong analytical skills, and experience with lean principles and ERP/MRP systems.

Qualifications

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient knowledge of production processes, quality control, and lean manufacturing principles such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, and 5S.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership at manufacturing sites to ensure safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and employee engagement.
• Lead and motivate a cross-functional team, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and optimize operational performance.
• Manage site targets, budgeting, and cost improvements, including over $500K annual savings.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Finance, HR, Planning, Purchasing, and Product Development to maximize operational success.
• Ensure schedules are met by optimizing resources and minimizing downtime; drive sustainability efforts.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team leadership

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

ERP/MRP

Microsoft Office

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Manufacturing/Operations

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Excel

Job description

The Operations Manager provides strategic and day-to-day leadership at our manufacturing sites, ensuring operational excellence in safety, quality, delivery, productivity and employee engagement. This role is accountable for delivering high-performance results through effective leadership, operational discipline, and a culture of accountability. The Operations Manager will lead and motivate a team, coordinates with cross-functional teams, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to optimize operational performance.

Organizational Development (20%)

• Develop and establish top-performing team members who are motivated, accountable, and committed to delivering outstanding results.
• Collaborate and interface effectively with all cross-functional departments—including Commercial, Finance, HR, Planning, Purchasing, and Product Development to maximize operational success and enhance expertise across the entire organization.
• Focus on building team capabilities to support long-term growth, operational excellence, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Core Operations Excellence (60%)

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards and regulations.
• Effectively manage and take full leadership accountability for the site’s annual operational targets, including safety, housekeeping, quality, service, scrap reduction, and manufacturing expenses.
• Deliver over $500K annually in operational cost improvements through disciplined project execution and effective budget management.
• Drive and achieve performance goals by monitoring key performance metrics and KPIs to assess productivity, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and communicate clear metrics for Safety, Quality, Service, Productivity, Scrap, and Housekeeping. Inspire and motivate the site team to take ownership and drive success.
• Ensure production schedules are consistently met by optimizing resource utilization and minimizing downtime to maximize operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with supply chain, planning, maintenance, quality assurance, and engineering departments to ensure smooth operations.
• Establish and drive sustainability initiatives that reduce environmental impact, optimize resource usage, and support the company’s commitment to long-term environmental responsibility.

Strategic Project Execution (20%)

• Demonstrate effective leadership, team collaboration and execution for all site projects, ensuring alignment and long-term sustainability for all active and completed initiatives, both operationally and environmentally.
• Support key cross-functional strategic initiatives by providing site leadership and accountability to execute project plans effectively.
• Ensure all approved capital and maintenance projects at the site are delivered on time, within budget, and achieve the expected payback.

Attributes:

Charismatic, congenial, inspirational and positive Leadership Approach style, Analytical, Problem Solver, Team Player, Accountable, Consistent demonstrated urgency practices and Execution Focused

Qualifications

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field preferred but not required; relevant experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient knowledge of production processes, quality control, and lean manufacturing principles such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, and 5S.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

*LI-MD1

M2SP

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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