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Operations Manager

Location:              Cincinnati, Ohio

Reports to:          Vice President of Manufacturing

Company Profile

Richards Industrials, founded in 1961, is a manufacturer of pressure regulators, control valves, and other fluid control products, known by our customers for high quality products, great customer service, and fast & reliable deliveries.  Our products are marketed under a series of distinct brands, each of which is used in unique applications that require precise technical attributes.  The company serves a range of end markets, including pharmaceutical, food & beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and various industrial segments. 

The company has two locations, Cincinnati OH and Fletcher NC, and a global headcount of 190.  Equipped with an experienced, passionate team, Richards focuses on driving profitable growth through operational excellence, opening new channels to market, and investing in new products.  

Richards has four Core Values:

• Empowerment – Employees are our most valuable asset
• Collaboration – Together we achieve more
• Pioneering Spirit – Curiosity and innovation are our driving forces
• Service Mindset – Never stop advocating for the Customer

And our purpose is to solve tomorrow’s demanding fluid control problems, today. 

The Position:

The Operations Manager role is the pivotal leader responsible for the development, launch, and execution of the Manufacturing Cell translating strategic goals into disciplined, daily operational performance objectives.  Duties include managing resources, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring all production activities meet stringent quality standards. The Operations Manager acts as a bridge between strategy and front-line execution, ensuring all team members are aligned and performing to achieve financial and operational targets.

The Operations Manager is directly responsible for building, mentoring, and developing a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement. This involves spending significant time on the floor, coaching direct reports, establishing communication cadences (like daily management meetings), and acting as the champion for a safe, organized, and standardized work environment. Ultimately, the Operations Manager drives the sustainable competitive advantage of the business by optimizing efficiency and output while cultivating the organizational talent necessary for future growth.

This position reports to the VP of Manufacturing and is responsible for the following:

• Executes the annual operating plan (AOP) for the Manufacturing Cell, ensuring the achievement of top-line revenue targets, customer metrics (lead time, OTD, stock health), and overall financial performance.
• Identifies and implement year-over-year productivity projects and initiatives delivering optimal efficiency and improved profitability.
• Creates a work environment where employees are energized, excited and motivated to continuously improve processes, delight our customers and accomplish both individual and team goals and objectives
• Lead capital investment and site transformation project required to launch the manufacturing cell as well as own future state roadmap deployment
• Directly responsible for achieving the annual operating plan results and the subsequent performance management of all direct reports within the Cell
• Champions rapid problem solving and accountability
• Ensures KPIs are realized with emphasis on product safety, quality, delivery, sales, cost, and compliance
• Establishes and champion area 5S program to insure that organization, standard work, and safety issues are resolved in a timely and systematic manner
• Staffing decisions and performance management of all team members
• Builds and owns a daily communication meeting cadence with team
• Ensure entire team staff are properly trained, resourced, supplied and managed to attain strategic objectives
• Responsible for coordinating and scheduling machine and equipment maintenance in addition to completing all preventive and regularly scheduled maintenance

Qualifications Include:

• 7+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment with a history of leadership roles (ex:  Cell Lead) or bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business with 3+ years’ experience
• Operations focus: proven ability to lead and manage with the following attributes:
  • Able and willing to change the status quo and effectively champion change
  • Thorough understanding of applicable quality system requirements: ISO 9001
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Effective interpersonal skills with all levels throughout the organization
• Knowledge of manufacturing principles, processes, and tools
• Knowledge of associated operational processes and controls which he/she is responsible (e.g. machining, finishing, assembly, etc.)
• Ability to lead and develop talent, complete performance reviews, and deliver feedback and coaching

Personal Characteristics:

• Energy/Energize: Exhibits a high level of energy and ability to energize others. Strong desire to achieve, high dedication level
• Gets Results: Recognizes excellence in the efforts and work of others. Has a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
• Edge: Ability to take a forceful stand on issues without being excessively abrasive. Able to challenge tactfully
• Self-Aware/Personal Development: Continually learning and growing. Seeks out and uses personal feedback
• Adaptable: Embraces change. Communicates needs during periods of change. Continuous Improvement mindset
• Resourceful: Find ways through barriers to success. Achieves results despite lack of resources
• Hands-on with high level of drive, energy, and discipline 
• Unquestionable integrity and character 
• Process and metrics oriented 
• High moral and ethical behavior 
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Proactive, inquisitive, high-bandwidth, and high scope 
• Highly organized and self-motivated 
• Strong, demonstrated working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, and other applications 

Why would this role be exciting for me?

• Richards Industrials is a profitable, thriving company that’s investing for growth -> career development is important for us
• This is an opportunity to join a talented, hard-working team that’s pushing itself to be the best it can be
• We actively contribute to the community through philanthropic initiatives and community service engagements

Richards Industrials firmly supports the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.