Operations Manager

W3Global; Overland Park (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Our Client is an established organization seeking an Operations Manager to lead daily operations, drive excellence, and ensure efficient use of resources to meet business objectives. This role serves as second-in-command for the facility and acts on behalf of the Plant Manager during absences, ensuring continuity and customer support.

The role emphasizes production, cost, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction goals, with responsibilities spanning leadership, process improvement, data

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Business Admin, Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain).
• 5+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, distribution, or business management.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and performance.
• Experience with KPI management, ERP systems, and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operational activities to ensure efficiency and effective performance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company goals.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate planning and scheduling to meet demand and capacity.
• Act as backup for planning and scheduling functions.
• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and teams.
• Promote safety, quality, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Budget management

Lean Six Sigma

ERP systems

Communication

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Operations Management/Engineering/Supply Chain Management

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Operational reporting tools

Job description

About Our Client

Our Client is a well-established organization seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead daily operations, drive operational excellence, and ensure the efficient use of resources to achieve business objectives. This role will oversee cross-functional teams, manage key performance metrics, improve operational processes, and ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and safety requirements.

Position Overview

The Operations Manager will play a critical role in achieving production, cost, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction goals. This position serves as the second-in-command for the facility and will act on behalf of the Plant Manager during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of operations, leadership, and customer support.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Manage and oversee daily operational activities to ensure efficient and effective business performance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company goals and objectives.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee production planning and scheduling to align with customer demand, production capacity, material availability, and business objectives.
• Coordinate with planning and scheduling teams to optimize workflow, inventory levels, resource utilization, and on-time delivery.
• Serve as a backup for planning and scheduling functions when needed to maintain operational continuity and customer commitments.
• Ensure operational processes support customer requirements and business growth.
• Act on behalf of the Plant Manager during periods of absence.

Data Analysis & Performance Management

• Analyze operational, production, labor, quality, and financial data to identify trends, root causes, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Utilize KPIs and reporting tools to evaluate performance and support data-driven decision-making.
• Develop clear action plans based on data insights to improve productivity, cost, quality, safety, and customer service.
• Establish accountability and performance expectations across operational teams.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and team members.
• Establish performance expectations and conduct regular performance evaluations.
• Promote employee engagement, accountability, teamwork, and a positive workplace culture.
• Support workforce planning, employee training, and succession planning.
• Ensure planning and scheduling processes effectively support production, inventory, and customer service objectives.
• Address performance issues and facilitate challenging conversations professionally and effectively.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, safety, and cost efficiency.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Analyze operational data and develop corrective action plans to address performance gaps.
• Standardize processes and ensure adherence to established best practices.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout the facility.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets.
• Monitor operating expenses and identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Ensure efficient utilization of labor, materials, equipment, and other operational resources.
• Support business planning, forecasting, and financial performance initiatives.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, quality standards, and safety requirements.
• Support quality management systems and corrective action processes.
• Conduct audits and inspections to maintain operational compliance.
• Identify operational risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Promote a strong culture of safety throughout the facility.

Customer & Stakeholder Support

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to meet customer expectations.
• Resolve operational issues affecting service, delivery, quality, or customer satisfaction.
• Communicate operational performance, challenges, and improvement initiatives to company leadership.
• Build strong working relationships across departments and with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational data, identify trends, evaluate performance gaps, and make sound business decisions.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Experience with financial and budget management.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Office, and operational reporting tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing or operational environment.
• Ability to drive accountability and successfully implement operational improvements.

Behavioral Competencies

• Comfortable addressing challenging situations and having difficult conversations.
• Ability to manage and resolve conflicts diplomatically.
• Collaborates effectively with individuals and teams across different functions.
• Communicates clearly and effectively through various communication methods.
• Maintains a strong focus on quality and operational standards.
• Demonstrates accountability and consistently follows through on established requirements.
• Leads by example and promotes a professional, safety-focused work environment.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, distribution, or business management.
• Previous leadership experience managing teams and operational performance.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies and KPI management.
• Experience working with ERP systems and operational reporting tools preferred.
• Manufacturing, production planning, scheduling, or distribution experience strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently walk throughout manufacturing, warehouse, and office environments.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while observing operations, conducting audits, and supporting production activities.
• Ability to occasionally climb stairs, ladders, and access elevated platforms to inspect equipment and processes.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as necessary to evaluate operational areas and equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds; greater lifting may be required with assistance.
• Ability to use a computer, keyboard, and standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to visually inspect products, equipment, and work areas, including close and distance vision.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in group settings within a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment that may involve exposure to noise, moving machinery, varying temperatures, dust, and other industrial conditions while utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to travel between departments, facilities, customers, or suppliers as business needs require.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Our Client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law or regulation. Employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications, experience, and business requirements.