Operations Manager – Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS / PCBA)

J&T; Seymour (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

J T is seeking an Operations Manager for its Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) and PCBA operations in Seymour, CT. You will direct plant manufacturing and warehouse activities, ensuring safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people (SQDCP) metrics are met through disciplined shop-floor management and workforce development.

You will partner with supervisors, engineering, and supply chain to optimize schedule adherence, SMT utilization, and waste reduction, with a clear path toward an

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in EMS/contract electronics manufacturing.
• Proven experience with high-mix, low-to-medium volume electronics assemblies (SMT, through-hole, box build, test).
• Experience in ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485, and ITAR environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across manufacturing and warehouse functions, driving SQDCP metrics.
• Optimize SMT line utilization and changeover efficiency using Lean tools (SMED, 5S).
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Eng, Purchasing, and Quality to support NPI, DFx, and process validation.
• Maintain safety, quality, and regulatory compliance while delivering on-time delivery targets.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

JobPack

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Operations Manager – Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS / PCBA)

Location: Seymour, CT

Position Type: Full-Time

Department: Manufacturing Operations & Supply Chain

Reporting Line: Vice President of Operations

Career Trajectory: Clear succession path to Director of Operations

Position Overview

The Operations Manager – Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS / PCBA) directs the daily execution of plant manufacturing and warehouse operations within a high-mix, low-to-medium volume contract electronics manufacturing environment. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Operations, this leader owns operational performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP) through rigorous production control, shop-floor discipline, and workforce development.

Working in close alignment with Production Supervisors, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance, the Operations Manager drives schedule adherence, maximizes surface-mount technology (SMT) line utilization, and champions Lean manufacturing methodologies. This role serves as a crucial operational anchor with a clear, defined growth trajectory toward an executive Director-level role.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate production supervisors, line leads, and frontline operational personnel across PCBA manufacturing and materials handling.
• Establish and drive performance benchmarks tied to SQDCP metrics across all operating shifts.
• Facilitate proactive workforce development through structured technical training, cross-training matrices, coaching, and regular performance evaluations.
• Lead daily operational stand-ups and tiered gemba meetings to address line bottlenecks, clear material constraints, and resolve production blockers.
• Foster a plant-wide culture of safety, mutual accountability, operational ownership, and continuous waste reduction.
• Direct workforce capacity planning and labor balancing to match staffing levels with dynamic build schedules and throughput targets.
• Ensure consistent enforcement of operational policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and workplace safety regulations.
• Coordinate daily manufacturing schedules across SMT lines, PTH/through-hole assembly, selective/wave soldering, mechanical box build, and functional testing to guarantee on-time delivery (OTD).
• Maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and SMT line utilization through rapid changeover techniques (SMED), feeder setup optimization, and coordinated preventative maintenance windows.
• Partner with Master Scheduling and Planning to optimize build sequences using ERP and shop-floor management tools (e.g., JobPack).

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Implement and sustain Lean manufacturing practices, including 5S workplace organization, visual management controls, Kanban replenishment, and root-cause problem solving (A3/8D).
• Manage direct and indirect labor efficiency through standard work instructions, line balancing, and cycle-time reduction initiatives.
• Maintain operational transparency via real-time production dashboards, line boards, and performance KPIs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Regulatory Compliance

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to support seamless New Product Introductions (NPI), DFM enhancements, and process validations.
• Coordinate with Purchasing, Sourcing, and Warehouse teams to maintain inventory accuracy, resolve component shortages, and ensure timely line-side staging.
• Ensure operational alignment with stringent regulatory and quality frameworks, including ISO 9001, ISO 13485 (Medical), AS9100 (Aerospace/Defense), and ITAR compliance standards.
• Champion environmental, health, and safety (EHS) policies to sustain a zero-incident work environment.

Qualifications & Experience Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial), Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline required.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 7+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, with significant, documented success within the Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) / contract manufacturing sector.
• Proven experience managing high-mix, low-to-medium volume electronic assemblies, including SMT, through-hole, box build, and test operations.
• Demonstrated background operating within certified quality frameworks such as ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485, and ITAR-controlled environments.

Continuous Improvement

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification strongly preferred; demonstrated mastery of 5S, value stream mapping, and Kaizen leadership.

Systems Proficiency

Strong working knowledge of manufacturing ERP/MRP systems, production scheduling platforms (such as JobPack or equivalent MES), and business reporting tools.

Core Competencies

Data-driven decision-making ability, decisive problem-solving acumen, exceptional cross-functional collaboration, and professional verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Split between a professional office setting and an active electronics manufacturing and warehouse environment.
• Ability to move throughout production, stockroom, and testing areas for extended periods to observe operations and engage with floor personnel.
• Ability to stand, bend, stretch, squat, and occasionally lift up to 15 lbs.
• Adherence to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines, including ESD protection standards (smocks, heel straps, grounding devices) in designated ESD-sensitive production areas.