Operations Manager - Blissfield, MI

AUTOKINITON; Blissfield (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Autokiniton in Blissfield, MI is seeking an Operations Manager to lead plant operations, drive lean initiatives, and coordinate cross-functional teams to meet business goals.

You will oversee staffing, budgeting, EHS compliance, and customer-focused improvements while developing strategic plans and tracking key performance measures. This role requires a bachelor’s degree and 8+ years in manufacturing leadership with strong problem-solving and mentoring skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business-related field; manufacturing/engineering/quality preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to mentor teams.
• Experience applying lean manufacturing concepts and continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Direct and drive problem-solving methods for plant and customer issues.
• Oversee plant staffing levels, budget compliance and improvements.
• Provide input into quoting and business development activities (pricing, program management, capacity).
• Assign accountability for EHS and enforce safety procedures across the team.
• Ensure tools and materials are available to perform roles safely and efficiently.
• Maintain housekeeping standards and positive relationships across levels of the organization.
• Drive productivity improvements to meet plant goals and customer cost reductions.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Organizational

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a business-related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The ideal candidate will have an ability to create and maintain an efficient system of operation to support the business needs. The candidate should be comfortable multitasking and working cross-functionally with different business units. The ideal candidate will have previous experience in related fields.

Operations Manager

Direct and drive the utilization of problem-solving methods for related plant and customer problems/issues.

• Oversee plant-manning levels and assure compliance and improvements to the budget.
• Provide plant input into quoting and business development activities (ex., pricing, program management, plant capacity, etc.)
• Assign clear responsibilities for Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and hold all direct reports accountable for enforcement
• Responsible for ensuring the entire team has the necessary tools and materials to properly perform their roles safely and efficiently.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping throughout the plant.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with all levels of the organization.

Managerial Responsibilities

• Provide key input into the development of the Plant’s strategic business plan and identify and track key measures to support plant business plan goals.
• Develop and drive the development of departmental strategy goals and identify and track key measures to support the department goals.
• Represent the company during customer visits/surveys and during meetings/presentations at customers' locations.
• Track, monitor, and implement required improvement activities related to business plan, goals, issues, etc.
• Develop and drive implementation of a progressive production system and required operating procedures and work instructions to improve plant performance metrics and meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Provide an active leadership role in meeting / exceeding customer expectations in all related areas.
• Interface with customers and suppliers as appropriate.
• Serve as driver and coordinator for plant productivity improvements to achieve plant productivity goals and customer cost reduction goals.
• Direct, drive, and establish priorities for production department continuous improvement activities and corrective actions.
• Ensure accountability and discipline within the production department.
• Assure all safety devices are properly in place and utilized and verify individual usage of personal protective equipment by the entire work team.
• Comply with and oversee compliance with all internal and OSHA-required safety procedures in the performance of daily activities.
• Adhere to all company policies & procedures (ex., Quality Policy Manual, Colleague Handbook, Level II Procedures, etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a business-related field; preferably manufacturing, engineering, or quality. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience as a Superintendent or Department Manager in a manufacturing environment, with experience in a metal environment preferred, or a combination of degree and experience, and two (2) years of management experience.
• Possess knowledge of plant department functions and corresponding roles and interactions to facilitate overall plant synergy.
• Vision and ability to translate progressive operating techniques into applications and results.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to mentor and teach the team effective problem-solving methods.
• Experience in applying lean manufacturing concepts.