Operations Manager — Lean Manufacturing Leader

Calqulate Metrics Ltd; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Calqulate Metrics Ltd. seeks an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing environment, preferably automotive supplier settings. You will lead production teams, drive continuous improvement, and ensure safety, quality, and on-time delivery while controlling costs.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong Lean knowledge, and experience with new program launches and ramp-ups to achieve sustainable results in a fast-paced plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; manufacturing leadership experience may substitute
• Proven experience managing complex manufacturing operations; automotive supplier experience strongly preferred
• Experience supporting new program launches and production ramp-ups
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and problem-solving methodologies
• Working knowledge of automotive quality systems and customer requirements
• Experience with financial controls, budgeting, labor management, and operational KPIs
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop talent, and drive measurable operational results

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Lead production teams and ensure customer schedules and manufacturing requirements are met.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and operational efficiencies.
• Monitor labor efficiency, machine utilization, production performance, and operating costs.
• Lead and develop Production Supervisors, Team Leaders, Technicians, and production personnel.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, customer-specific requirements, and safety policies.
• Lead root cause analysis and 8D corrective actions to address quality, downtime, and production issues.
• Support new program launches, production readiness, and manufacturing ramp-up activities.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve productivity, and increase plant profitability.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment.
• Communicate operational performance, improvement initiatives, and business results to senior management.
• Promote employee engagement, accountability, and a culture of operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Decision-making

Team development

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Lean Manufacturing

5S

Job description

Calqulate Metrics Ltd. seeks an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing environment, preferably automotive supplier settings. You will lead production teams, drive continuous improvement, and ensure safety, quality, and on-time delivery while controlling costs.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong Lean knowledge, and experience with new program launches and ramp-ups to achieve sustainable results in a fast-paced plant.