Operations Manager - Paducah, KY

VetJobs; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Worthington Enterprises in Paducah, Kentucky, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our 24/5 manufacturing facility. You will oversee safety, quality, scheduling, and overall performance, driving lean processes and cost improvements.

As the senior on site, you will develop teams, manage budgets, and partner with HR to build a strong leadership bench while delivering top-notch customer service and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience leading plant operations in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing a 24/5 manufacturing or continuous production operation strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage operating budgets, capital investments, and overall plant financial performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of a 24/5 manufacturing operation to safely deliver high-quality products on time and in the most cost-effective manner.
• Drive operational excellence by improving productivity, quality, efficiency, and overall plant performance.
• Ensure customer expectations are consistently met through effective production planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Develop bench strength and succession plans to ensure leadership continuity across all shifts.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Plant operations

Budget management

ERP/MRP systems

Oracle experience

Leadership development

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

High School/GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Oracle ERP

Job description

ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers. If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience. Unless specifically stated otherwise, this role is "On-Site" at the location detailed in the job post.

Worthington Enterprises is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our Paducah, KY manufacturing facility. As the senior leader on site, the Operations Manager is responsible for the overall performance of a 24/5 manufacturing operation, ensuring excellence in safety, quality, customer service, employee engagement, and financial performance. This role provides leadership across all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, engineering, quality, scheduling, inventory, human resources, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a visible, hands-on leader who develops people, builds strong teams, and drives operational excellence while fostering a culture aligned with the Worthington Philosophy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of a 24/5 manufacturing operation to safely deliver high-quality products on time and in the most cost-effective manner.
• Drive operational excellence by improving productivity, quality, efficiency, and overall plant performance.
• Ensure customer expectations are consistently met through effective production planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Maintain accurate inventory and optimize operational processes to improve efficiency and service.

People Leadership

• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing leadership team and engaged workforce.
• Coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and employees while creating meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Develop bench strength and succession plans to ensure leadership continuity across all shifts.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, respect, and continuous learning.
• Partner closely with Human Resources to support hiring, employee development, performance management, and employee engagement.

Safety & Quality

• Champion a culture where safety is the highest priority and every employee is committed to working safely.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive quality improvements and implement sustainable corrective actions that improve customer satisfaction.

Financial & Business Leadership

• Manage plant operating costs while identifying opportunities to improve productivity and profitability.
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets, capital expenditure (CapEx) projects, and financial plans.
• Analyze plant financial performance and use key business metrics to make informed operational decisions.
• Lead the facility in achieving operational and financial goals while supporting overall business objectives.

Auto req ID: 483958BR

Minimum Education Required

High School/GED

Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities

• 5-10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Previous experience leading plant operations in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing a 24/5 manufacturing or continuous production operation strongly preferred.
• Proven success developing leaders, building engaged teams, and creating organizational capability.
• Demonstrated ability to manage operating budgets, capital investments, and overall plant financial performance.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning, quality systems, inventory management, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make sound business decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems (Oracle experience preferred).

City: Paducah

State: Kentucky

Job_Category: Operations

Job Code: Manufacturing Manufacturing

Affiliate Sponsor: Worthington Enterprises