Production Operations Manager Jobs in Lancaster, SC

Operations Manager

Location: Monroe, NC
Reports To: Director of Manufacturing

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of a manufacturing facility, including production, service parts, inventory management, and operational support functions. This role ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations while delivering high-quality products on time to customers. The Operations Manager drives continuous improvement, develops employees, manages resources, and partners with cross-functional teams to support business growth and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for all manufacturing operations, ensuring the facility consistently meets safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and financial performance objectives.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that align with company goals while creating a clear vision and sense of direction for the plant leadership team and workforce.
• Plan, organize, and optimize daily operations to ensure efficient production flow, adequate capacity, and the ability to meet customer demand in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Champion a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements while promoting employee engagement in safety initiatives.
• Drive operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, reduce waste, improve quality, and lower operating costs.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, productivity, inventory, on-time delivery, and cost performance, taking corrective action as needed to achieve targets.
• Lead efforts to improve manufacturing processes, equipment utilization, workflow, and plant layout to maximize productivity and support long-term growth.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, quality, supply chain, customer service, and sales teams to support new product introductions, process improvements, and customer requirements.
• Oversee inventory management, production planning, material flow, and logistics activities to ensure product availability while maintaining inventory levels that support financial objectives.
• Foster a high-performance culture through effective hiring, onboarding, coaching, mentoring, performance management, and succession planning.
• Build employee engagement by creating an environment of accountability, teamwork, communication, and continuous learning throughout the organization.
• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving activities to address operational, quality, equipment, and customer-related issues, ensuring sustainable corrective actions are implemented.
• Ensure equipment, facilities, and resources are properly maintained and utilized to support operational reliability and production goals.
• Manage plant budgets and resources responsibly, identifying opportunities for cost reduction and operational efficiencies without compromising safety, quality, or customer satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, customers, community partners, and internal stakeholders to support overall business success.
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, from production employees to senior leadership, providing regular updates on plant performance, initiatives, and priorities.
• Lead organizational change initiatives and promote a culture that embraces innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Travel as required to support business objectives, customer needs, leadership meetings, and collaboration with other facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Business, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing experience and at least 5 years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production planning, inventory control, and operational management.
• Experience leading Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, team-building, coaching, and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and results-oriented.

Work Environment

Work is performed in both office and manufacturing settings, with regular exposure to production equipment, moving machinery, and moderate to high noise levels.

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As we welcome new people on board, it's important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.