External Operations Manager Jobs in Findlay, OH (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager

Position Summary

The Project Manager is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, and execution of complex projects within a manufacturing environment. This role supports the successful introduction of new products, equipment, and processes into production by managing facility modifications, equipment installation, and production readiness activities.

The position works cross-functionally with engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, and external contractors to translate project requirements into fully operational manufacturing systems. The Project Manager ensures projects are delivered safely, on time, within scope, and aligned with business and customer expectations, while maintaining compliance with all applicable safety and regulatory standards.

Location: Multi: Bowling Green, OH and Perrysburg, OH

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end execution of projects, with a strong emphasis on new product integration (NPI), including facility modifications, equipment installation, and production line setup
• Manage project scope, timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure successful project completion
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and internal teams for building changes, utilities, and infrastructure needs (electrical, mechanical, fire protection, etc.)
• Oversee facility and production layout development, including electricity requirements, CFM requirements, equipment placement and workflow optimization
• Support engineering and operations in transitioning new products from development into full-scale production
• Ensure compliance with all safety, building, and regulatory requirements throughout project execution
• Monitor on-site project activity, including contractor work, installation progress, and commissioning efforts
• Identify risks, manage ambiguity, and drive timely resolutions to keep projects on track
• Serve as a key point of contact for project communication across internal teams and external stakeholders
• Support equipment startup, validation, and handoff to operations
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including schedules, layouts, and standard operating procedures
• Facilitate communication across cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and accountability
• Drive continuous improvement related to project execution, layout efficiency, and operational readiness
• Support 5S, safety, and lean manufacturing initiatives

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related) or Business preferred, not required

Experience/Skills

• 3-5 years managing projects in a manufacturing, industrial, or construction-related environment
• Experience supporting new product introduction, equipment installation, or production readiness activities strongly preferred
• Strong ability to coordinate and manage contractors, vendors, and cross-functional teams
• Experience with facility modifications, equipment installation, or production line implementation
• Understanding of building systems (electrical, mechanical, utilities, fire protection)
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, layouts, and technical drawings
• Strong project management skills, including scheduling, prioritization, and risk management
• Knowledge of safety and regulatory compliance (OSHA, NFPA, general building requirements, etc.)
• Strong communication and cross-functional coordination skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Word)
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail

Preferred

• Experience working for or closely with a contracting company (general contractor, mechanical/electrical contractor, etc.)
• Experience with new product introduction, facility startup, or capital projects
• Familiarity with CAD or layout review tools
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing or process improvement concepts
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and supply chain coordination

Work Environment

• Combination of office and manufacturing/construction floor environment
• Frequent walking, standing, and coordination in active production and construction areas
• PPE required in designated areas (safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, etc.)

About Vital:

Vital Materials is a global materials technology and equipment company. Established in 1995 in China, Vital Materials has vertically integrated industrial and commercial operations located in North and South America (Head Office in US), Europe (Head Office in Belgium), and Asia (Head Office in China) with over 6,000 employees worldwide.

Vital Materials evolved rapidly since our founding, yet we remain focused in the areas of rare-metals-based advanced materials and resource recycling. We are the world's leading manufacturer of selenium and tellurium products as well as being a key producer of gallium, indium, germanium, bismuth, and cadmium products for diverse end markets and hi-tech applications including semiconductors, displays, electronics, photovoltaics, LED, infrared materials, acousto-optics, thermoelectrics, photosensors, radiation detectors, pharmaceuticals, feed additives, glass, ceramics, and metallurgy. In addition, we produce custom manufacturing equipment for many industries like the energy, semiconductor, and automotive industry just to name a few.