Operations Manager: Lean Manufacturing & Plant Efficiency

Red Seal Recruiting Ltd.; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Seal Recruiting Ltd. seeks an Operations Manager to oversee daily plant operations in a complex manufacturing environment, preferably automotive supplier. You will drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets while leading teams to excel.

The role requires hands-on leadership, continuous improvement, and strong knowledge of Lean, 8D problem solving, and production ramp-up. You will report to senior management and champion operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience.
• 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

Lean Manufacturing

8D problem solving

Team development

Cost reduction

Operational excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience

Job description

Red Seal Recruiting Ltd. seeks an Operations Manager to oversee daily plant operations in a complex manufacturing environment, preferably automotive supplier. You will drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets while leading teams to excel.

The role requires hands-on leadership, continuous improvement, and strong knowledge of Lean, 8D problem solving, and production ramp-up. You will report to senior management and champion operational excellence.