Senior Manager of Operational Excellence

Friendship Industries, Inc; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Friendship Industries, Inc in Harrisonburg, VA is seeking a Senior Manager of Operational Excellence to provide strategic and operational leadership for manufacturing, production, and logistics.

You will align operational performance with organizational goals, customer requirements, and community impact; oversee budgets and assets; and drive Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S initiatives to reduce waste and improve quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive operations or manufacturing leadership experience.
• 3–5 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience managing budgets and operational performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with mission and goals.
• Direct daily manufacturing, production, and logistics activities.
• Set and monitor KPIs to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives including 5S and lean methods.
• Oversee budgets, assets, and facilities to maximize utilization.

Skills

5S / Lean Manufacturing

Leadership

Budget management

Quality systems

Data-driven decisions

Project management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field

Job description

Description

Senior Manager of Operational Excellence

Position Summary

The Director of Operations is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for all manufacturing, production, and logistics functions of the organization. This role ensures efficient, safe, and cost-effective operations while supporting FIAS's mission and long-term sustainability. The Director of Operations works closely with executive leadership to align operational performance with organizational goals, customer requirements, and community impact objectives.

Essential Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Develop and implement operational strategies that support organizational goals and mission objectives. Specifically establishing best practices to build on 5S and Lean Manufacturing fundamentals.
• Direct daily manufacturing and production activities to ensure efficiency, quality, and timely delivery.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve productivity and operational effectiveness.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance quality. Implementation of Daily Accountability
• Manage organizational assets, equipment, and facilities to maximize utilization and lifespan.

Manufacturing & Production Management

• Oversee production planning, scheduling, and workflow management.
• Ensure products are manufactured according to established quality standards and specifications.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies where appropriate.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, and organizational policies.
• Oversee quality assurance and quality control programs. Support iso13485 certification.
• Maintain workplace safety programs in accordance with OSHA and other applicable requirements.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage operational budgets.
• Monitor expenditures and identify opportunities for cost containment and operational efficiencies.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate operations personnel.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Develop succession plans and employee development programs.
• Promote employee engagement and retention initiatives.

Strategic Planning

• Participate in organizational strategic planning and goal setting.
• Identify opportunities for growth, process improvement, and operational innovation.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on expansion, capital projects, and long-term operational planning.
• Support initiatives that advance the organization's mission and community impact.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive operations or manufacturing leadership experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience managing budgets and operational performance metrics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a nonprofit organization or mission-driven manufacturing environment.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PMP, APICS, or related certifications.
• Experience working with individuals with barriers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to balance mission objectives with business performance requirements.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Demonstrated expertise in manufacturing operations and process improvement / 5S / Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma.
• Financial analysis and budget management skills.
• Understanding of quality systems, compliance, and workplace safety requirements.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Data-driven decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout manufacturing, warehouse, and office environments.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and inspect production operations for extended periods as needed.

Reporting Relationships

Reports To:

CEO & President

Direct Reports May Include:

• Production Managers
• CSR Manager

Salary Range

$85,000 - $95,000

Requirements

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive operations or manufacturing leadership experience.

Minimum of 3-5 years of supervisory or management experience.

Experience managing budgets and operational performance metrics.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a nonprofit organization or mission-driven manufacturing environment.

Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PMP, APICS, or related certifications.

Experience working with individuals with barriers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to balance mission objectives with business performance requirements.

Strong leadership and team-building skills.

Excellent organizational and project management abilities.

Demonstrated expertise in manufacturing operations and process improvement / 5S / Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma.

Financial analysis and budget management skills.

Understanding of quality systems, compliance, and workplace safety requirements.

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Data-driven decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.

Physical Requirements

Ability to move throughout manufacturing, warehouse, and office environments.

Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Ability to stand, walk, and inspect production operations for extended periods as needed.