Plant Operations Leader – Lean, Delivery & Quality

ASHFORD CONNEX, LLC; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ASHFORD CONNEX, LLC is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing setting, preferably automotive suppliers. You will drive safety, quality, on-time delivery, and cost objectives while leading production teams and implementing Lean improvements.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent leadership experience, with strong knowledge of Lean, 8D problem solving, and manufacturing KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree 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

Team Leadership

Operations Management

Budgeting

KPIs

Continuous Improvement

Root Cause Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

ASHFORD CONNEX, LLC is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing setting, preferably automotive suppliers. You will drive safety, quality, on-time delivery, and cost objectives while leading production teams and implementing Lean improvements.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent leadership experience, with strong knowledge of Lean, 8D problem solving, and manufacturing KPIs.