External Operations Manager Jobs in Spokane, WA (NOW HIRING)

Company History:

Established in 2010, Knight Wall Systems Inc. ("KWS") specializes in the design and manufacture of thermally efficient rainscreen attachment systems. Driven by innovation and high performance, our technologies have set new standards for the building envelope industry, resulting in several awards such as Environmental Building News' "Top 10 Green Building Products," Readers' Choice Award from Metal Construction News magazine, and two-time recipient of Architectural Record's Record Products designations. We value the unique contributions of each team member and are committed to creating a collaborative, welcoming environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.

Position Summary

This role will lead complex new product introduction launches from early project planning through production ramp-up and stabilization. You will coordinate cross-functional teams, supplier partners, equipment readiness, automation integration, launch risk management, and executive reporting to deliver safe, reliable, and on-time manufacturing outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning and Execution

• Define Project Scope: Outline clear project goals, deliverables, and resource requirements in collaboration with senior leadership and plant management.

• Launch Timelines: Create, maintain, and track master schedules, managing critical path milestones across cross-functional teams to meet strict market launch dates.
• Budget & Cost Tracking: Manage project budgets, including capital expenses (CapEx) for new tooling and equipment, cost targets and financial variances to keep projects within budget.

Shop Floor and Process Optimization

• Oversee Capital Expenditures (CapEx): Manage the procurement, installation, and commissioning of new manufacturing equipment, assembly lines, or facility expansions.
• Coordinate Operations: Work directly with plant managers, engineers, procurement, quality assurance, and floor supervisors to prevent production bottlenecks during project rollouts.

Supply Chain and Quality Assurance

• Supplier Readiness: Work with procurement to source raw materials and ensure external vendors are ready to supply components at the required volume and quality.
• Quality & Testing: Establish quality control plans, testing procedures, and assembly documentation (Work Instructions) specifically tailored for the new products.

Risk and Quality Management

• Ensure Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to industry regulations, OSHA safety standards, and company quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Quality Control: Ensure all project outputs meet exact engineering drawings, client specifications, and performance metrics.

Stakeholder Communication

• Lead Teams: Facilitate regular cross-functional meetings between engineering, supply chain, production, finance, and external vendors. Serve as the primary escalation point for high-impact, complex, or cross-functional issues while using critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, compliance, and financial controls to keep launches aligned to schedule, budget, quality, safety, and business commitments.
• Status Reporting: Provide clear, data-driven progress updates and performance metrics to executive stakeholders.

Key Requirements & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field.
• 5-7 years of experience in project management within the manufacturing industry.
• Proficiency with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software, ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and master scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project, Asana).
• Familiarity with ASTM, AISI, and ICC standards for cladding and building envelope systems.
• Certifications: PMP (Project Management Professional) or Certified Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is highly preferred.
• Technical Skills: Ability to interpret 2D/3D engineering drawings (CAD blueprints) and manage complex Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Software Proficiency: Strong skills in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Asana) and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Technical Knowledge: Ability to read engineering drawings, blueprints, and understand standard manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, assembly, automation).
• Excellent conflict resolution, verbal, and written communication skills; must be able to work in a team environment and collaborate across programs.
• Must be task oriented with strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Our Benefits

• Paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policies for employees with employer contributions to dependent coverage
• Voluntary plans (health savings account, flexible spending account, long term disability, buy up life & AD&D insurance, accident insurance, and dependent plans)
• 401(k) with employer match - fully vested after 90 day waiting period
• Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays and paid sick leave
• Onsite gym
• Training and professional development classes
• Fully equipped breakrooms with snacks and Keurig coffee
• Fun monthly employee events
• Family-friendly, collaborative culture
• Casual work environment
• So much more!

Send letter of introduction with product design/development information and your current resume to hr@knightwallsystems.com. No third party recruiters or search firms, please.