Operations Manager

MRINetwork Jobs; Union (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Job summary

MRINetwork Jobs is seeking an Operations Manager for a growing power grid metal fabrication facility in the Western St. Louis region.

This hands-on leader will scale operations, improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity while driving accountability. You will oversee laser cutting, CNC machining, forming, welding, coating, assembly, and logistics; build a lean culture with 5S, standardized work, and continuous improvement; partner with engineering, supply chain, and business development

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of progressive manufacturing experience.
• At least three years in plant/production/operations leadership.
• Experience in metal fabrication or related industry.
• Strong knowledge of welding, machining, forming, fabrication, coating, and assembly operations.
• Hands-on leadership style with track record of developing people and improving performance.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement tools.
• Ability to interpret operational data and translate to action.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for plant operations.
• Lead production, maintenance, quality, logistics, and supporting functions.
• Establish safety, accountability, and employee engagement culture.
• Oversee production scheduling, labor planning, material flow, and equipment utilization.
• Ensure safety, quality, cost, and on-time delivery meet customer expectations.
• Monitor KPIs (OEE, scrap, labor efficiency, throughput, delivery).
• Drive Lean, 5S, standardized work, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and hold supervisory/hourly staff accountable.
• Coordinate with engineering, supply chain, quality, business development.
• Support customer qualification, launch, and problem resolution.
• Coordinate outside suppliers and processors to maintain schedules.
• Participate in budgeting and control manufacturing costs.
• Ensure OSHA, environmental, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

5S

Welding

Machining

Forming

Coating

Assembly

ERP systems

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Operations Manager

Power Grid Manufacturing | Western St. Louis Region

A well-established Midwest metal fabricator is seeking a hands-on to lead a growing power grid manufacturing operation in the Western St. Louis region. This business is entering a major expansion cycle, supported by increased production capacity, strong customer demand, and significant new contract opportunities. The Operations Manager will play a central role in scaling the operation while strengthening safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and employee accountability. This is a highly visible, on-site leadership position reporting directly to the General Manager.

The Opportunity

The Operations Manager will oversee the daily performance of a metal fabrication facility producing metal fabricated components for the power grid market. The operation includes: Laser cuttingCNC machiningPress brake formingMIG and TIG weldingPowder coating and finishingAssemblyMaterial handlingShipping and logisticsOutside processing and subcontracted operations.

Key Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and direction for plant operationsLead production, maintenance, quality, logistics, and supporting functionsEstablish a strong culture of safety, accountability, and employee engagementOversee production scheduling, labor planning, material flow, and equipment utilizationEnsure customer expectations are met for safety, quality, cost, and on-time deliveryMonitor and improve operational KPIs, including OEE, scrap, labor efficiency, throughput, and deliveryDrive Lean Manufacturing, 5S, standardized work, and continuous improvementImprove workflow, capacity utilization, and manufacturing efficiencyRecruit, develop, coach, and hold supervisory and hourly employees accountablePartner with engineering, supply chain, quality, and business developmentSupport customer qualification, launch, and problem-resolution activitiesCoordinate outside suppliers and processors to maintain production schedulesParticipate in budgeting and control manufacturing costsEnsure compliance with OSHA, environmental, employment, and other regulatory requirements.

Ideal Background

Seven or more years of progressive manufacturing experienceAt least three years of plant, production, or operations leadership experienceExperience within metal fabrication, heavy manufacturing, electrical equipment, transformers, or a related industryStrong knowledge of welding, machining, forming, fabrication, coating, and assembly operationsHands-on leadership style with a track record of developing people and improving performanceExperience using Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement toolsAbility to interpret operational data and convert it into actionFamiliarity with ERP systems and Microsoft OfficeStrong communication, decision-making, and organizational skillsBachelor's degree preferred, although equivalent manufacturing leadership experience will be considered.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Join a stable manufacturer with more than four decades of operating history. Lead a business segment positioned for substantial growth. Work directly with a respected General Manager. Help scale an operation serving the expanding power grid and transformer market. Gain meaningful influence over people, processes, capacity, and capital priorities.

• Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 401(k) match, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, and an employee assistance program
• Competitive compensation based on experience

This position does not offer employment visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.