Operations Manager

Great Dane; Statesboro (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Dental, vision, and medical benefits

Retirement programs with 401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Great Dane is seeking an Operations Manager to lead all production activities at the plant and guide teams to meet delivery schedules, line rates, and quality targets while maintaining a safe workplace.

You will supervise production staff, implement PQTC goals, and drive Lean initiatives across the shop floor, with a strong emphasis on safety, training, and continuous improvement. This role requires hands-on leadership and strong problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience.
• Progressive leadership experience in manufacturing environments.
• Lean Manufacturing experience highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Ensure employee safety compliance and adherence to rules.
• Plan staffing for shifts, prep lines, and manage defects and corrective actions.
• Pursue production goals with a customer-focused mindset (PQTC).
• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives on the shop floor.
• Supervise, train, and develop direct reports; handle hiring and performance reviews.
• Coordinate daily/weekly plant activities with peers to meet schedules.
• Define and improve processes to create efficient workflows and measure performance.
• Support plant compliance with regulations and company policies.
• Lead special projects as required.

Skills

MS Excel

Safety culture

Problem solving

Communication

Reading documents

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

THE ROLE

At Great Dane, we rely on makers and we’re calling on them to join our expanding team, the time has never been better to Embrace Your Great and work in an environment with the highest safety standards in the industry.

The position: The Operations Manager guides and directs all production activities for the plant. He/she oversees the supervision of all production employees and defines production strategies to meet all production targets with respect to meeting the customer delivery schedule, line rate, mfg. quality, and cost while keeping employees safe and motivated.

Responsibilities

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Ensure individual and employee compliance with all safety rules and requirements.
• Defines plant wide direct labor staffing plans based on production volume, prepares line for successful start of next shift, manages rework/defects/scrap, and implements root cause corrective actions.
• Actively pursues production goals following the PQTC systematic.
• Achieves PQTC production goals and takes a customer’s view as they lead Production.
• Supports and drives Lean Manufacturing activities on shop floor.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. His responsibilities start with forming strong and effective teams and includes hiring the right employees, training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Guides/directs the daily and weekly activities of the plant. Plans and conducts daily coordinator meetings regarding current and future issues.
• Supervises subordinate employees. Guides, directs, counsels, and appraises. Recommends selections, retention, and training, promotability, and salary levels of direct reports. Ensures that subordinates are qualified and full attuned to current and future Great Dane needs. Motivates team members across the organization. Motivates team members across the organization.
• Provides viable, visible support presence to all indirect subordinates. Ensures safety, production, and quality standards are met. Investigates employee suggestions, concerns, complaints, etc. Evaluates and responds as appropriate.
• Coordinates with his/her peers the plant management staff and subordinates to resolve any issues and ensure safety, employee, tooling, and quality concerns are addressed while maintaining the production schedule.
• Defines the right processes to create efficient workflows and measures performance and defines and pursues improvement opportunities.
• Assists with plant compliance regarding mandated regulations as well as Great Dane rules and regulations.
• Reviews proposed major disciplinary actions. Ensures completeness, fairness, consistency, overall company interest/benefit.
• Coordinates special projects as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: B achelor’s degree from a four-year college or university recommended; or three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience:
  • Must exhibit a progressive job history of leadership in a manufacturing environment and a familiarity with a variety of equipment and processes such as welding, fabrication, and typical assembly line operations.
  • Extensive experience in Lean Manufacturing is desired.
• Skills:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suites with emphasis on the ability to navigate and formulate within Excel.
  • Demonstrate understanding of an effective safety culture.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Travel: As needed.

Physical/Mental Requirements

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: Spends appropriate time on all shifts to ensure PQTC and Lean methodologies are followed. Spends 20% of the time in an office environment and 80% of the time in a manufacturing environment. The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
• Work environment: Fast-paced atmosphere with multiple priorities and constant change. May be exposed to possible shop hazards that include high nose, high heat, heavy machinery, and shop traffic. Employees must dress according to the company policy, and will be required to wear certain eye, head, hearing, hand and foot protection while on the shop floor. Employees must wear all mandated PPE due to: Potential for scrapes, punctures, and cuts. Metal shavings or other debris falling in eyes. Light radiation burns. Pinch points. Possible respiratory hazards. Heavy objects that may fall. High noise level in the plant.

About Great Dane

With a history dating back to 1900, Great Dane has established itself as a transportation solutions leader of today – delivering innovative products and exceptional services that help our customers and employees succeed. We not only engineer durable and high-quality trailers and truck bodies; we foster relationships that last a lifetime.

Why work for us?

Great Dane is a leading manufacturer of dry-freight vans, refrigerated trailers, and flatbeds with 10 manufacturing facilities and 20 service centers throughout the United States. With a legacy like ours comes a dedication to the hard-working individuals that make Great Dane what it is today. Our jobs are waiting to be filled by driven, challenge-focused & enthusiastic people like you.

Our culture is comprised of “Champions” and offers a rewarding workplace rooted in core values of safety, leadership, integrity, quality, and passion. Every employee has opportunities to learn, to grow, to succeed and to be engaged in a collaborative environment.

Benefits Overview

• Competitive compensation
• Benefits, including but not limited to dental, vision, and medical with employer contributions
• Retirement programs, including a Pension Plan and 401(k) Plan with employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid holidays and vacation
• And more!

Great Dane is an Equal Opportunity Employer