Operations Manager - Paducah, KY

MSCCN; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Worthington Enterprises seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead our Paducah, KY manufacturing facility. You will oversee a 24/5 operation, driving safety, quality, customer service and financial performance, while leading production, maintenance, engineering and HR functions.

The role requires a hands-on, visible leader who develops people, builds teams, and champions continuous improvement in line with our philosophy.

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 develop leaders and high-performing teams.
• Ability to manage operating budgets and capital investments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a 24/5 manufacturing operation to deliver quality products on time and cost-effectively.
• Drive productivity, quality, and overall plant performance improvements.
• Ensure manufacturing plans meet customer expectations with effective scheduling.
• Lead safety, quality, delivery, and cost improvement initiatives.
• Manage inventory and optimize processes for efficiency and service.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Plant operations management

Budget management

Quality systems

Leadership development

Tools

Oracle ERP / ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

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.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, this role is "On-Site" at the location detailed in the job post.

Job Description

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

Operational Leadership

• 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.

Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities

Qualifications

• 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).