Operations Manager 26

Guided Search Partners; Arkansas; On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Guided Search Partners is seeking an Operations Manager in Arkansas to oversee production across multiple departments in a folding carton manufacturing operation. This leadership role will focus on enhancing safety, quality, and productivity while fostering a strong culture.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in manufacturing leadership, preferably in a non-union environment, and a Bachelor's or MBA. You'll be instrumental in meeting production goals and driving operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of management or leadership experience in folding carton packaging or similar.
• Experience managing in a non-union environment.
• Ability to motivate and lead improvement teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage production operations across departments.
• Support goals around safety, quality, and productivity.
• Develop operating policies and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership in manufacturing

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

MBA

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Guided Search Partners (GSP)

Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long‑term Relationships.

We connect high‑performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with a folding carton manufacturing operation in Arkansas seeking an Operations Manager.

This is a strong leadership opportunity in a non‑union, two‑location operation with approximately 317 employees and 500,000 total square feet of manufacturing space. The role will oversee production across printing/sheeting, cutting, and finishing, working closely with department managers and plant leadership. This is a great fit for a manufacturing leader who enjoys structure, pace, and accountability. The plant has a strong culture and is focused on standard work, production performance, prioritization, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Do

You’ll help lead daily production operations across multiple departments while supporting plant goals around safety, quality, productivity, waste reduction, and throughput.

Key areas of focus include:

• Plan, direct, and manage production operations across multiple departments
• Work closely with department managers and supervisors
• Support printing/sheeting, cutting, and finishing operations
• Establish performance goals, allocate resources, and assess results
• Develop and implement operating policies and standards
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and waste reduction
• Support LEAN Sigma efforts across organization, housekeeping, and inventory
• Help improve process flow, standard work, and prioritization
• Assist and support the Plant Manager in daily facility operations

Who You Are

You are a hands‑on operations leader who can stay organized, keep priorities moving, and help teams execute.

You communicate clearly, make timely decisions, and know how to motivate people in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. You are comfortable working through ambiguity, solving problems, and keeping the team focused on the right goals.

You would do well here if you bring urgency, structure, and a steady leadership style that helps people perform at a high level.

Preferred Experience & Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field preferred
• MBA preferred
• 5–8 years of management or leadership experience in folding carton packaging or a similar manufacturing environment
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Experience managing in a non‑union environment
• Lean Manufacturing experience highly desirable
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong technical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to motivate people and lead process improvement teams
• Project management and leadership experience
• Knowledge of budgets and financial statements
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Internet tools
• Quality‑conscious and customer‑oriented mindset

Why This Role Matters

This role is important because it helps connect daily production execution with larger plant and division goals. The Operations Manager will support department leaders, drive standard work, improve production flow, and help the facility continue building on a strong culture. With two locations, multiple production areas, and a large manufacturing footprint, this role offers real visibility and the chance to make a measurable impact. For someone who enjoys leading teams, improving systems, and keeping operations moving, this is a strong opportunity to step into a role with scale and purpose.