Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Portland, ME

Ready to lead as a General & Operations Manager in Midcoast Maine? ProSearch is partnering with a respected manufacturing organization to find a proven leader with expertise in manufacturing operations, operational leadership, continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, strategic planning, safety, employee development, and business growth who can drive operational excellence, strengthen company culture, and lead long-term organizational success.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced General Manager, Operations Manager, Plant Manager, Manufacturing Manager, or Operations Director who enjoys balancing strategic leadership with day-to-day operational execution. You'll oversee manufacturing operations, purchasing, maintenance, engineering collaboration, workplace safety, financial performance, and team development while serving as a key member of the leadership team.

General & Operations Manager Position Summary

The General & Operations Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational performance of this company. This position oversees all day-to-day manufacturing operations while ensuring the company achieves its goals for safety, quality, delivery, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, operational excellence, and profitability.

Reporting to executive leadership, the General & Operations Manager provides leadership across Operations, Production, Purchasing, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, and Finance, ensuring all departments work together to execute the company's strategic objectives. This role serves as the primary operational leader and is responsible for driving business growth, developing employees, improving processes, and maintaining the company's reputation for exceptional products and customer service.

General Management - Business Leadership

• Provide overall leadership for the organization and ensure alignment with the company's mission, vision, and strategic objectives

• Develop and execute annual business plans, operational goals, and long-term growth strategies

• Lead organizational planning, resource allocation, and continuous improvement initiatives

• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, innovation, and employee ownership

• Monitor overall business performance and implement strategies to improve profitability, productivity, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence

• Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic planning, capital investments, and long-range business initiatives

• Represent the company with customers, suppliers, community organizations, and industry partners

• Ensure exceptional customer service while strengthening relationships with key customers and distributors

• Lead succession planning and organizational development to build future leadership within the company

Operations Leadership

• Direct and coordinate daily manufacturing operations to ensure production schedules and customer requirements are met

• Develop and implement operational strategies that improve efficiency, productivity, safety, and profitability

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions when necessary

• Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement

Purchasing Management

• Oversee all purchasing activities for raw materials, equipment, maintenance supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and services

• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and negotiate pricing, contracts, and delivery schedules

• Collaborate with Engineering to source technical materials that meet operational and project requirements

• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality, safety, or delivery

Maintenance Management

• Lead the maintenance department in developing and executing preventive and predictive maintenance programs

• Ensure equipment reliability and maximize uptime through effective maintenance planning

• Coordinate equipment repairs, facility maintenance, and capital improvement projects

• Manage maintenance budgets, spare parts inventory, and outside contractors

Engineering Collaboration

• Partner with the Engineering Department to improve manufacturing processes, increase productivity, and reduce operational costs

• Participate in cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and improve manufacturing performance

• Assist Engineering with capital planning, equipment upgrades, automation initiatives, and facility expansion projects

Safety Leadership

• Lead the company's safety program and promote a culture where safety is a core value

• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and all applicable federal, state, and local safety requirements

• Develop, implement, and maintain safety policies, procedures, and training programs

• Conduct regular safety inspections, audits, and risk assessments to identify and eliminate workplace hazards

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets

• Monitor financial performance, operational expenses, and key business metrics

• Identify opportunities to improve margins through operational efficiencies and cost management

• Prepare reports on operational performance, maintenance metrics, purchasing performance, safety performance, engineering projects, and capital expenditures

Team Leadership

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain high-performing employees and managers.

• Establish clear performance expectations and provide coaching, performance evaluations, and career development opportunities

• Promote collaboration across Operations, Engineering, Production, Quality, Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, and Maintenance

• Build an engaged workforce that embraces continuous improvement and employee ownership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred

• Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing experience, with at least 7 years in leadership role

• Demonstrated success leading multi-department manufacturing operations

• Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, financial management, and organizational leadership

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, procurement, inventory control, maintenance, quality systems, and workplace safety

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications

• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and experience leading workplace safety programs

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies preferred

Required Skills

• Executive leadership and organizational management

• Strategic planning and business development

• Financial and operational awareness

• Budgeting and cost management

• Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement

• OSHA compliance and safety leadership

• Analytical problem-solving and sound decision-making

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

• Customer relationship management

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Benefits

Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience. Also included is an excellent benefit package with health insurance, HSA (Health Savings Account) contributions, life insurance, paid vacation and holidays, a 401(k)-retirement savings program with employer match, and an additional retirement plan in the form of an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Program).

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Few leadership roles offer this level of visibility and impact.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead multiple departments across a growing manufacturing organization

• Influence strategic business decisions and long-term growth

• Drive operational excellence, profitability, and customer satisfaction

• Build and develop high-performing teams

• Shape company culture, leadership development, and succession planning

• Partner directly with executive leadership on major initiatives

This role is ideal for a leader who enjoys improving operations, developing people, and creating measurable business results.

Ready to Apply?

This role is ideal for an experienced General Manager, Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Plant Manager, or Operations Director who wants the opportunity to lead people, improve operations, influence strategy, and make a lasting impact on a successful manufacturing organization.

If you're a manufacturing leader in Georgetown, Maine seeking a high-impact leadership opportunity focused on manufacturing operations, operational excellence, continuous improvement, team development, and business growth, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply through ProSearch today to start a confidential conversation.