Operations Manager

The Avery Point Group, Inc - Executive Search Catalysts for Change™; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

A recruitment firm specializing in leadership roles is seeking an Operations Manager for a hands-on leadership opportunity in Knoxville, TN. This role demands an individual who excels in developing supervisors and implementing Lean principles within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Candidates should have significant experience in operations management and a strong background in building productive teams. Excellent leadership skills, operational flexibility, and a commitment to quality are essential for success. A competitive salary with performance bonuses awaits the right candidate.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Prior experience as an Operations Manager or Supervisor.
• Proven success in high-mix, short-cycle manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to develop front-line supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day performance of the manufacturing operation.
• Manage staffing decisions and daily labor management.
• Develop front-line supervisors and team leaders.
• Drive continuous improvement through Lean practices.

Skills

People development

Operational flexibility

Lean manufacturing

Problem-solving

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Direct message the job poster from The Avery Point Group, Inc - Executive Search Catalysts for Change™

President & Transformation Leadership Recruiter: Lean - Six Sigma - Industry 4.0 - Operations - Supply Chain - Manufacturing - Private Equity 📞…

Operations Manager - High Growth Company

Why you should be interested in this role:

This Operations Manager role is a hands‑on leadership opportunity within a small, fast‑moving mass customization manufacturing environment, where success is driven by people development, operational flexibility, and disciplined daily execution.

This is not a desk role and not a multi‑site oversight position. It is designed for a leader who enjoys being on the floor, developing supervisors, solving real problems in real time, and building operating discipline where structure is still maturing.

You will work closely with the company’s ownership team and have direct influence over how the operation runs each day. If you believe strong operations are built by developing line leaders, installing clear expectations, and leveraging Lean leadership behaviors, this role offers both challenge and impact.

ROLE CTQs (Critical to Quality):

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business preferred
• 8+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
• Prior experience as an Operations Manager, or Supervisor
• Proven success in high‑mix, short‑cycle, on‑demand, or configure‑to‑order manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated ability to develop front‑line supervisors and team leads
• Strong background in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement leadership
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship

Company:

Confidential

Position:

Operations Manager

Location:

Knoxville, TN (On‑Site)

Reporting:

Operations Leadership / Company President

Compensation:

Competitive base compensation with performance‑based bonus

Relocation:

Local candidates preferred; limited relocation assistance may be considered

Company Profile:

Our client is a privately held company operating in the mass customization product space, producing highly configured, customer‑specific products in a high‑mix, fast‑turn environment. The operation requires flexibility, discipline, and strong leadership at the line level to consistently meet customer commitments.

Position Description and Responsibilities:

The Operations Manager has full responsibility for the day‑to‑day performance of the manufacturing operation, with accountability for service, quality, cost, safety, and delivery. This role is highly hands‑on and requires daily presence on the production floor.

Line Leadership Development (Primary Focus)

• Build, coach, and develop front‑line supervisors and team leads
• Establish clear expectations for daily execution, problem escalation, and accountability
• Implement leader standard work, tiered accountability, and daily management routines
• Strengthen leadership depth to reduce dependency on individual heroics

Operational Flexibility & Execution

• Improve operational flexibility through cross‑training, staffing models, and stable processes
• Balance changing customer demand with throughput, quality, and on‑time delivery
• Manage daily scheduling, capacity planning, and workflow coordination
• Track and respond to performance using visual management and clear KPIs
• Lead Lean as a leadership system, not a toolbox
• Drive structured problem‑solving, standard work, and continuous improvement
• Improve productivity, quality, and cost through sustainable Lean practices
• Support automation and process improvements with clear ROI and practicality

Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with Customer Service, Sales, and Logistics to meet customer commitments
• Own daily labor management, staffing decisions, and overtime control
• Maintain a safe, organized, and disciplined production environment
• Serve as a visible leader who sets the tone for accountability and teamwork

Position Critical to Quality + Success (CTQ+S): Technical Requirements:

• Strong working knowledge of Lean tools and daily management systems
• Experience improving service levels, productivity, and quality simultaneously
• Solid understanding of labor‑driven cost structures and operational metrics
• Comfortable using standard business tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Position Critical to Quality + Success (CTQ+S): Leadership / Behavioral Requirements:

• Leads from the floor, not from reports
• Develops people intentionally and consistently
• Comfortable making decisions in fast‑moving, imperfect environments
• Holds supervisors accountable while supporting their growth
• Direct, clear communicator who builds trust through consistency
• High‑energy, hands‑on leadership style

This role is not for someone who:

• Prefers managing through emails and meetings
• Avoids developing supervisors and team leads
• Relies on firefighting instead of building systems
• Needs a large staff or corporate infrastructure to be effective

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Production
• Manufacturing

Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)