Operations Manager- Stamping

AUTOKINITON; Elkton (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Elkton is seeking an experienced leader for hot stamping operations. The ideal candidate will possess over 10 years of leadership experience in stamping operations, strong problem-solving skills, and a relevant engineering degree. Responsibilities include managing production planning, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and driving process improvements. This is a pivotal role in a dynamic environment offering growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in stamping operations, 5 years in hot stamping.
• Effective communication and team-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead hot stamping operations and production planning.
• Direct production activities ensuring safety and quality.
• Drive process improvements in tooling and automation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem analysis

Organizational skills

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

SPC and measurement tools

Job description

The ideal candidate will have an ability to create and maintain an efficient system of operation to support the business needs. The candidate should be comfortable multitasking and working cross-functionally with different business units. The ideal candidate will have previous experience in related fields.

Responsibilities

• Lead hot stamping operations including production planning, tooling/machine refurbishment, new line integration, and product launches.
• Direct and coordinate production activities, establishing priorities to ensure safety, quality, on-time delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage hot and cold stamping tool rebuilds, refurbishments, and complete hot stamp line rebuilds.
• Drive process improvements in tooling, automation, cycle times, and product quality.
• Recruit, train, and develop hot stamp associates; build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Review and analyze production, quality, maintenance, and tooling reports to identify root causes of issues and implement corrective actions.
• Partner with engineering, maintenance, quality, and materials teams to optimize utilization of resources, machines, and equipment.
• Consult with tooling, automation, and engineering teams on machine modifications to improve output and reliability.
• Enforce compliance with OSHA and internal safety protocols; ensure consistent use of PPE and safety devices.
• Represent the Hot Stamping function in corporate and plant meetings.
• Uphold all company policies and procedures.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (preferred).
• Ten (10) years plus of progressive leadership in stamping operations, with at least 5 years in hot stamping, automation, or related process engineering.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Solid interpersonal and team-building skills; effective communicator at all levels.
• Strong problem analysis and resolution skills; proactive and creative approach on the production floor.
• Organizational and prioritization skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of welding processes, SPC, and measurement tools (mics, calipers).
• Computer literacy and adaptability.

Preferred Additional Skills & Abilities

• Hot stamping process and automation experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with IATF16949, ISO9001:2015, and ISO-14001 standards.
• Effective meeting facilitation and presentation skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in problem solving and process improvement