Plant Operations Leader - Complex Manufacturing & Lean

CareerNerds, LLC; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

CareerNerds, LLC is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing environment, with a preference for automotive supplier experience. The role emphasizes on-time delivery, quality, safety, and cost targets in a hands-on leadership context.

The ideal candidate will drive Lean initiatives, lead production teams, support new program launches, and develop talent while maintaining a safe and efficient plant culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred 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

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Problem Solving

Leadership

Communication

Decision Making

Team Development

Budgeting

KPIs

Education

Bachelor's degree

Manufacturing leadership experience

Job description

CareerNerds, LLC is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing environment, with a preference for automotive supplier experience. The role emphasizes on-time delivery, quality, safety, and cost targets in a hands-on leadership context.

The ideal candidate will drive Lean initiatives, lead production teams, support new program launches, and develop talent while maintaining a safe and efficient plant culture.