Precision Optical Operations Manager

Software Placement Group; Clearwater (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company 3%

Paid time off

Job summary

Software Placement Group seeks an Operations Manager to lead Florida manufacturing operations in Clearwater, coordinating across Manufacturing, Sales, Supply Chain, and Quality. The role demands cross-functional leadership, strategic planning, and a proven track record delivering results in a manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities include long-range capacity planning, policy development, and driving continuous improvement with strong emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
• BS degree in optics, engineering, or technical discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead all operational areas of the Florida manufacturing facility and manage staffing, training, budgets, and quality.
• Partner with Sales and Business Lines to align customer requirements with manufacturing capabilities.
• Own the factory Continuous Improvement program and drive KPI reporting across the site.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Communication

Project management

Manufacturing operations

Coaching and development

Problem solving

Safety culture

MS Office

Education

Bachelor of Science in Optics/Engineering

Tools

ERP/MES systems (SAP, Oracle, Epicor)

Power BI/Tableau

Minitab/JMP

Job description

Location: Clearwater, FL | Schedule: Full-time, on-site | Compensation: $120,000 - $160,000 per year

Overview

An established advanced manufacturing company is seeking an Operations Manager to lead the daily operations of its Florida manufacturing facility. This role sits at the intersection of Manufacturing, Sales, Supply Chain, and Quality, and requires a proven record of building trust and alignment across functions. This is not a developmental role; the successful candidate will already bring demonstrated cross-functional leadership, strategic planning, and manufacturing operations experience.

What you'll do

• Lead all operational areas of the Florida manufacturing facility, including staffing and management, employee development and training, conflict resolution, inventory levels, turnaround time, On-Time Delivery, department budgets, equipment and supply purchases, and product quality.
• Support the VP of Operations with long-range capacity planning, forecasts, annual plans, and the evaluation and reporting of progress against plans and KPIs.
• Establish and implement factory policies, goals, KPIs, objectives, and procedures.
• Collaborate with other factories on scheduling priorities, best practices, and cross-site processes.
• Develop the leadership and managerial capabilities of managers and supervisors through active coaching and structured development.
• Partner closely with Sales and Business Lines to identify customer requirements, evaluate opportunities that result in products manufactured in Florida, support production planning, and identify needed capability enhancements.
• Serve as a credible, trusted cross-functional partner to Manufacturing, Sales, Supply Chain, Quality, and other department leaders.
• Lead engagements with key customers regarding high-level quality topics.
• Own the factory Continuous Improvement program and coordinate initiatives with the corporate Continuous Improvement team.
• Maintain accountability for the factory 6S program.
• Analyze operational data and trends using appropriate statistical analysis tools and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Work with Supply Chain to qualify and audit suppliers that are new to the Florida facility.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with federal, state, company, OSHA, and other applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.

Required qualifications

• 10+ years of technical experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Optics, Engineering, a technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Proven leadership ability in a matrixed manufacturing environment, including a demonstrated record of building trust and alignment across departments without relying solely on formal authority.
• Demonstrated comfort operating at all levels, including the shop floor, executive planning discussions, and customer-facing settings.
• Hands-on experience translating operational and financial data into strategic recommendations and measurable action plans.
• Demonstrated experience with long-range capacity planning, forecasting, annual planning, KPI development, and progress reporting.
• Change-management experience, including introducing new processes or systems and earning genuine adoption across affected teams.
• Working knowledge of Lean principles, Six Sigma, and statistical quality-analysis tools.
• Experience with ISO 9001 certification in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with structured problem-solving and quality-improvement methodologies such as 8D, A3, and DMAIC.
• Strong communication, organization, interpersonal, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills and experience with statistical software such as Minitab, JMP, or similar.
• Comfort using data-visualization and reporting tools such as Power BI or Tableau to communicate KPIs to varied audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety culture and regulatory compliance, including OSHA requirements.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification required within 18 months of employment.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, see details at close range, and work at a desk or computer for extended periods.
• Ability to travel as required.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency is required; this facility manufactures products subject to U.S. export-control regulations (ITAR/EAR), and this role requires access to export-controlled technical data.

Preferred qualifications

• Preference given to optical coatings or optical fabrication experience.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems such as SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar is preferred.
• Knowledge of Military Specifications is desired.
• Knowledge of testing and inspection methods and equipment is desired.

Compensation and benefits

• Base salary range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year. Actual compensation will be based on relevant skills, education, experience, business needs, and geographic considerations.
• Relocation to Clearwater, FL provided.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Generous paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 3%.
• Daycare and gym reimbursement.
• Paid parental leave and new-mother benefits.
• Training and development opportunities.

Why this role

This is a chance to lead the full scope of operations at an established manufacturing facility, partnering across Manufacturing, Sales, Supply Chain, and Quality with direct influence over strategic planning, continuous improvement, and customer engagement.