Senior Plant Operations Lead – Lean Manufacturing

Sora Resource Group; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Operations Manager at Sora Resource Group will oversee all day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing environment, with emphasis on automotive supplier settings. This role requires a hands-on leader who can drive continuous improvement and deliver sustainable results in a fast-paced environment.

You will lead production teams, ensure safety and quality, and meet schedules while managing costs and KPIs.

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

Continuous Improvement

Leadership

Operations Management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

8D Process

Job description

The Operations Manager at Sora Resource Group will oversee all day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing environment, with emphasis on automotive supplier settings. This role requires a hands-on leader who can drive continuous improvement and deliver sustainable results in a fast-paced environment.

You will lead production teams, ensure safety and quality, and meet schedules while managing costs and KPIs.