Plant Operations Leader: Lean & Continuous Improvement

RON SUNSHINE ASSOCIATES LLC; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Ron Sunshine Associates LLC in Bloomington, IL is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee all day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing environment.

You will lead production teams, drive Lean and 8D corrective actions, ensure on-time delivery, safety, and cost targets, and support new program launches. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent leadership experience and strong knowledge of Lean methods.

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

5S

Operations leadership

Problem solving

Staff development

Quality systems

Budgeting

KPIs

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Ron Sunshine Associates LLC in Bloomington, IL is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee all day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing environment.

You will lead production teams, drive Lean and 8D corrective actions, ensure on-time delivery, safety, and cost targets, and support new program launches. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent leadership experience and strong knowledge of Lean methods.