Strategic Manufacturing Operations Leader

Gemstar Manufacturing Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance (employee-only)

4% Retirement Match

Paid Time Off

Dental, Vision, Disability and Life

Resort access

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Gemstar Manufacturing is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our manufacturing and engineering teams in Cannon Falls, MN. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on oversight of cost, quality, and delivery to drive profitability and customer satisfaction.

You will guide Lean initiatives, manage P&L responsibly, and ensure ISO compliance and safe operations across plants. A Bachelor's in engineering or business is required; MBA preferred; 8+ years of leadership in high-mix

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of engineering/leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Experience leading operations and engineering teams in high-mix environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a diverse team of operations and engineering professionals to achieve operational excellence.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.
• Provide mentorship and develop team members for their professional development and to support business needs.
• Provide technical direction to engineering and quality teams, ensuring efficient development and implementation of processes.
• Establish clear performance expectations and hold teams accountable for results.
• Provide leadership regarding employee relations through clear expectation, coaching, and professional development.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Sales, to meet timelines and cost targets.
• Promote adherence to ISO standards and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Effectively manage KPI’s, TTI’s, and P&L performance.
• Analyze financial reports and key performance indicators to identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement cost-effective strategies to optimize financial outcomes in areas such as material and labor.
• Drive initiatives to enhance profitability without compromising on quality and safety standards.
• Actively collaborate and adapt to changes with value steam partners, having the best interest of the value steam over plant performance.
• Proactively identify and address operational challenges to ensure smooth production.
• Implement effective problem-solving methodologies to resolve issues promptly and efficiently.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze and troubleshoot complex manufacturing problems.
• Drive Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives to enhance overall efficiency and quality.
• Develop and execute strategic plans aligned with organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with senior management to align plant operations with overall business strategy.
• Operate with a sense of urgency to influence and adapt to business needs.
• Identify opportunities for business growth and expansion within the plant's scope.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and market dynamics to inform strategic decision-making.

Skills

Leadership

Operations leadership

Strategic thinking

Lean & CI

Financial acumen

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Shop floor control software

Production planning software

Inventory control systems

Job description

Gemstar Manufacturing is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our manufacturing and engineering teams in Cannon Falls, MN. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on oversight of cost, quality, and delivery to drive profitability and customer satisfaction.

You will guide Lean initiatives, manage P&L responsibly, and ensure ISO compliance and safe operations across plants. A Bachelor's in engineering or business is required; MBA preferred; 8+ years of leadership in high-mix