Operations Manager

Ajax Metal Forming Solutions; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajax Metal Forming Solutions in Wilson, NC is seeking an Operations Manager to lead a growing metal forming facility of about 25 employees. You will drive profitability, safety, and performance across production, HR, and administrative operations, partnering with local leadership to align with company goals.

The role requires building a culture of continuous improvement, Lean practices, and strong financial oversight, with responsibility for budgeting, forecasting, and KPI reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree related to the industry or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive manufacturing leadership in metal forming or similar.
• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee plant operations to meet profitability goals while maintaining cost, quality, labor, and productivity standards.
• Lead Fabrication and Production leaders, promoting accountability and teamwork across departments.
• Monitor performance metrics to improve efficiency and apply Lean manufacturing principles.
• Ensure schedules, customer commitments, and quality goals are understood and met by local leadership.
• Manage long-term planning, capacity, capital equipment and growth initiatives with senior leadership.
• Own HR activities including recruiting, onboarding, training and employee relations with HQ coordination.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree related to the industry

High School Diploma or GED

5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Inventory management systems

HRIS

Job description

With more than 80 years in operation, Ajax has built a reputation for precision, reliability and innovation. Our continuous growth has expanded our facility footprint across Minnesota, North Carolina and Arizona - powered by long-standing customer relationships, investments in modern manufacturing capabilities and a winning culture.

JOB SUMMARY

As the Operations Manager - Raleigh, you will be responsible for the overall performance, profitability, and management of a 25-person and growing metal forming facility in Wilson, NC. You will provide leadership across production, HR and administrative operations while fostering a culture focused on safety, operational excellence and employee development. Collaborate with the local leadership team to drive profitability, maintain strong customer service levels, and support future growth initiatives. Provide both strategic leadership as well as actively involved in daily operational and administrative activities.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership

• Oversee plant operations to ensure profitability goals are achieved by maintaining standards for cost, quality, labor, scrap, safety, housekeeping, delivery, and productivity.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Fabrication and Production leaders while promoting accountability and teamwork across all departments to achieve goals
• Continuously monitor plant performance metrics to develop and implement appropriate measures to improve operational efficiency.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing principles throughout the facility.
• Ensure local leadership understands production schedules, customer commitments and quality goals, and working together to consistently achieve these goals.
• In partnership with senior leadership, manage facility’s long-term operational planning, capacity management, capital equipment and future growth initiatives.

Financial & Business Management

• Maintain full responsibility for the financial performance of the facility, including profitability, productivity, labor efficiency, and operational costs.
• Consult with management, sales and account managers as requested in the formulation of quotations and bids for new work to support pricing strategy, margin improvement, and investment justification initiatives.
• Manage annual budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning activities.
• Monitor manufacturing costs and identify opportunities for operational and cost improvements.
• Create KPI’s for Raleigh in partnership with local and senior leadership; preparing and managing KPI tracking and operational reporting and other required corporate reporting.

Inventory, Purchasing & Administrative Functions

• Manage all planning and administrative functions for cycle counting, inventory control processes, and material management best practices for inventory accuracy.
• Manage raw material purchasing including common materials and supplier coordination for the facility.
• Ensure accurate reporting of inventory, production, labor, and operational data.
• Support administrative operations including documentation, compliance records, and process standardization.
• Maintain compliance with company policies and operational procedures.

Safety, Compliance & Facilities Management

• Promote and maintain a strong safety-first Ajax culture throughout the facility.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company safety policies to achieve world class standard.
• Oversee facility’s safety initiatives, training and reporting efforts to meet or exceed company standards.
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory compliance activities as required.
• Responsible for facilities management including facility and grounds maintenance, building safety and related record keeping.

Leadership & Human Resources Support

• Own and lead all HR activities including recruiting, interviewing, on/off boarding and training and related administrative responsibilities for facility workforce in coordination with headquarters HR.
• Proactively manage staffing levels to ensure current and future production goals are achieved or exceeded.
• Manage all performance management activities including the performance review process, coaching support and addressing performance management and employee relations situations.
• Champion a positive Ajax culture through consistent communication and an exemplary leadership style. Encourage employee engagement, accountability, and continuous skill development.
• Oversee and advocate for employee development initiatives which align to business objectives; maintain performance records and skills testing for each colleague.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree related to the industry, and/or five years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience within a small, fast-paced metal forming or industrial manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• General knowledge of manufacturing and/or sheet metal fabrication equipment.
• 2+ years experience with inventory management, purchasing, and reporting ideal.
• 2+ years experience with general HR admin responsibilities with proficient knowledge of local, state and federal employment laws required.
• Strong operational and financial acumen in all aspects of a manufacturing facility.
• Confident but adaptive leadership style with the ability to balance strategic and tactical responsibilities.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong computer and ERP/MRP system proficiency with basic knowledge of Microsoft.
• Ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Detail-minded with emphasis on thorough and accurate work.
• Self-starter with strong time management skills and ability to shift priorities throughout the day.