Plant Operations Leader - Lean Manufacturing & Growth

Ajax Metal Forming Solutions; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajax Metal Forming Solutions in Wilson, NC is seeking an Operations Manager to lead a growing metal forming facility of about 25 employees. You will drive profitability, safety, and performance across production, HR, and administrative operations, partnering with local leadership to align with company goals.

The role requires building a culture of continuous improvement, Lean practices, and strong financial oversight, with responsibility for budgeting, forecasting, and KPI reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree related to the industry or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive manufacturing leadership in metal forming or similar.
• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee plant operations to meet profitability goals while maintaining cost, quality, labor, and productivity standards.
• Lead Fabrication and Production leaders, promoting accountability and teamwork across departments.
• Monitor performance metrics to improve efficiency and apply Lean manufacturing principles.
• Ensure schedules, customer commitments, and quality goals are understood and met by local leadership.
• Manage long-term planning, capacity, capital equipment and growth initiatives with senior leadership.
• Own HR activities including recruiting, onboarding, training and employee relations with HQ coordination.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree related to the industry

High School Diploma or GED

5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Inventory management systems

HRIS

Job description

Ajax Metal Forming Solutions in Wilson, NC is seeking an Operations Manager to lead a growing metal forming facility of about 25 employees. You will drive profitability, safety, and performance across production, HR, and administrative operations, partnering with local leadership to align with company goals.

The role requires building a culture of continuous improvement, Lean practices, and strong financial oversight, with responsibility for budgeting, forecasting, and KPI reporting.