Job Description
The Operations Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and controlling manufacturing operations across assigned production areas, including molding, plating, and assembly. This role ensures safe, efficient, and high‐quality production by managing schedules, labor utilization, equipment performance, and process compliance. The Operations Manager leads supervisors and managers, supports new program launches, and drives continuous improvement to meet customer cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
Roles and Responsibilities
· Manage daily manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
· Oversee production planning and scheduling to meet customer order requirements.
· Establish, monitor, and maintain production metrics and tracking systems.
· Analyze production performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
· Coordinate with Materials, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and HR to support uninterrupted production.
· Provide leadership, coaching, and accountability for Production Managers, Supervisors, and team members.
· Assign work and ensure adherence to standard work instructions and quality requirements.
· Monitor labor utilization and staffing needs; support hiring and training efforts.
· Oversee production launch activities and support new program introductions.
· Review and resolve production issues related to quality, scrap, downtime, and efficiency.
· Support customer interactions, including issue resolution and corrective action responses.
· Promote and enforce safe work practices and regulatory compliance.
· Drive continuous improvement through problem solving, Kaizen events, and cross‐functional collaboration.
· Recommend improvements to processes, equipment performance, layout, and cost savings.
· Support IATF 16949 / TS 16949 initiatives and audit readiness.
· Review production reports and communicate performance across departments and shifts.
· Perform other duties as assigned to support operational objectives.
Skill and Education Requirements
· Bachelor’s degree in Business, Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
· 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing operations or leadership roles.
· Experience managing molding, plating, and/or assembly processes preferred.
· Strong knowledge of production planning, labor utilization, and performance metrics.
· Ability to read and interpret blueprints, work instructions, and production documentation.
· Strong analytical, problem‐solving, and leadership skills.
· Effective written and verbal communication skills.
· Proficiency with computerized production tracking and standard office applications.
Work Environment
· Work is primarily performed in a manufacturing environment.
· Frequent exposure to noise, airborne particles, temperature variations, and industrial equipment.
· Occasional exposure to chemicals, moving machinery, and elevated work areas.
· Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
· Typical schedule is 8–10 hours per day, five days per week, with flexibility based on production needs.
· Occasional travel for customer or business needs may be required.
· Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Authority
· Authority to direct and prioritize daily production activities.
· Authority to assign work, manage staffing, and evaluate performance.
· Authority to enforce safety, quality, and operational standards.
· Authority to recommend corrective actions, process improvements, and cost‐reduction initiatives.
· Authority to escalate operational risks and performance gaps to leadership.
With over 30 years of industry experience and a footprint spanning 10 United States locations, Creative Liquid Coatings is a powerhouse in integrated manufacturing. We bridge the gap between complex plastic injection molding and world-class automated finishing, utilizing a fleet of over 150 machines ranging from 85 to 5,000 tons. Our versatile paint lines accommodate a wide range of component sizes, providing a seamless, end-to-end production solution that combines massive scale with precision engineering for the most demanding industrial applications.