Operations Manager

JMJ PHILLIP; Vinton (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

JMJ PHILLIP is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee daily manufacturing operations in Iowa. The role focuses on driving efficiency, safety, quality, and workforce management while collaborating cross-functionally to meet production goals.

The ideal candidate will have a hands-on leadership style, strong problem-solving abilities, and a track record of continuous improvement in a production environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or related field.
• Several years of progressive experience in manufacturing or operations management.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in a production or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of production processes, operational metrics, and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure production activities align with business objectives.
• Lead, coach, and develop employees and frontline supervisors to build a high-performing team.
• Establish operational goals, monitor performance, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Promote a culture focused on safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate production schedules, staffing, equipment, and resources to meet operational requirements.
• Monitor productivity, efficiency, throughput, and other key performance indicators.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve workflow and production performance.
• Ensure equipment and resources are properly utilized and maintained.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, minimize waste, and increase efficiency.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and problem-solving initiatives.
• Analyze operational data and develop recommendations to improve overall performance.
• Ensure operations comply with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with quality teams to address production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a strong safety culture throughout operations.
• Work closely with engineering, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and other departments to resolve operational challenges.
• Coordinate resources and priorities to ensure timely completion of production objectives.
• Communicate operational performance, challenges, and improvement opportunities to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Lean manufacturing

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or related field

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to oversee daily manufacturing operations, drive operational efficiency, and ensure consistent performance across production, quality, safety, and workforce management. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, a hands‑on approach, and the ability to improve processes while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and productivity.

Position Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure production activities align with business objectives.
• Lead, coach, and develop employees and frontline supervisors to build a high-performing team.
• Establish operational goals, monitor performance, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Promote a culture focused on safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Production Management

• Coordinate production schedules, staffing, equipment, and resources to meet operational requirements.
• Monitor productivity, efficiency, throughput, and other key performance indicators.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve workflow and production performance.
• Ensure equipment and resources are properly utilized and maintained.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, minimize waste, and increase efficiency.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and problem-solving initiatives.
• Analyze operational data and develop recommendations to improve overall performance.

Quality & Safety

• Ensure operations comply with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with quality teams to address production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a strong safety culture throughout operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and other departments to resolve operational challenges.
• Coordinate resources and priorities to ensure timely completion of production objectives.
• Communicate operational performance, challenges, and improvement opportunities to leadership.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• Several years of progressive experience in manufacturing or operations management.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in a production or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of production processes, operational metrics, and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement process improvements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership skills with a hands‑on and collaborative management style.

Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
• OSHA or related safety training.
• PMP or other project management certification.
• APICS/CPIM certification or similar operations-related credential.

What the Role Offers

• Salary: $85,000 – $110,000 per year.
• Opportunity to lead and improve day-to-day operations with meaningful responsibility.
• A leadership position with opportunities to develop and mentor teams.
• The ability to influence process improvements, productivity, and operational performance.
• A collaborative environment that values accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• Opportunities for long‑term professional growth and career advancement.

Why Vinton?

Vinton offers a strong setting for an operations leader seeking a role with meaningful responsibility and direct impact on business performance. The area provides access to a skilled workforce and a practical manufacturing environment while offering a community‑oriented setting with convenient access to larger regional markets.