Operations Manager

American Axle & Mfg., Inc.; Sanford (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

American Axle & Mfg., Inc. is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee its 24/7 forging operations in Sanford, NC. This role includes ensuring production schedules and performance requirements are consistently met while driving a culture of operational excellence through Lean manufacturing practices.

The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of manufacturing experience, particularly in managing multi-shift operations, with a background in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement strategies. American Axle is committed to equal employment opportunities and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive manufacturing experience, preferably in forging or heavy industrial environments.
• Proven leadership experience managing multi-shift operations in a high-volume production setting.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and demonstration of successful transformation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across a 4-shift, 24/7 forging facility.
• Drive performance management, compensation planning, and workforce development.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions to address performance gaps.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Leadership

Manufacturing experience

Production Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Operations Manager

Job Description

Dauch is searching for an Operations Manager to join our team. This position will be based out of our Sanford, NC location. As an Operations Manager, you will oversee a 24/7 forging operation running across four shifts, ensuring that production schedules, customer commitments, and performance requirements are consistently met. You will drive the effective utilization of equipment, workforce, and materials while leading continuous improvement initiatives. This role is responsible for developing a culture of operational excellence through Kaizen events, productivity improvements, and sustainable Lean manufacturing practices. You will also manage staffing, development, and performance programs for frontline leadership and hourly teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across a 4‑shift, 24/7 forging facility, ensuring alignment on safety, quality, people, volumes, and cost (SQPVC).
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and performance while ensuring consistent execution of policies and standards across all shifts.
• Champion a culture of safety by enforcing EHS standards and ensuring strict compliance across all forging operations.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks while reinforcing safe behaviors at all levels.
• Recruit, coach, and develop shift supervisors and frontline leaders.
• Drive performance management, compensation planning, and workforce development to maintain a high performing, engaged team.
• Translate customer demand and forecasts into actionable production plans and priorities.
• Optimize allocation of equipment, tooling, materials, and labor to meet production and delivery targets.
• Drive improvements in OEE, labor efficiency, scrap reduction, throughput, and cost performance.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions to close performance gaps.
• Lead Kaizen events, monthly productivity workshops, value stream mapping, and root cause problem‑solving initiatives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across the site.
• Monitor plant performance and respond to dynamic production demands.
• Resolve scheduling, capacity, and bottleneck constraints using data‑driven decision‑making.
• Lead daily, weekly, and monthly operating reviews to track KPIs and drive accountability.
• Prepare and communicate reports on throughput, downtime, scrap, and productivity trends.
• Partner with maintenance and engineering to improve equipment reliability and uptime.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Engineering, and Quality to meet customer requirements.
• All other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field required.
• 8+ years of progressive manufacturing experience, preferably in forging, metal forming, or heavy industrial environments.
• Proven leadership experience managing multi‑shift operations in a high‑volume, 24/7 production setting.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Kaizen methodologies with demonstrated success leading transformation initiatives.
• Experience driving productivity improvements using metrics such as OEE, throughput, and labor efficiency.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. Dauch will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail [e-mail]. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.