Headscout

Location:

Le Roy, New York

Start:

Upon agreement, based on the selected candidate’s availability.

Customer:

Our client is a globally recognized leader in the advanced materials and technology sector. They specialize in the engineering and manufacturing of mission-critical, high-performance products used in power infrastructure applications and large-scale industrial systems. The company is distinguished by its ability to produce superior-grade products characterized by innovative design, exceptional precision, and accelerated production timelines.

A key component of their value proposition is a consultative approach to partnership, providing expert guidance and worldwide technical support to address clients' most complex operational requirements. With a significant international presence spanning multiple continents and a workforce of over 1,700 dedicated professionals, the organization is committed to delivering impactful solutions that consistently surpass customer expectations.

About the position:

The Operations Manager role is a senior leadership position with full responsibility for the performance of the local operations. The position combines hands-on operational leadership with a strong focus on manufacturing turnaround, operational excellence, and driving sustainable performance improvement.

The role requires a hands-on leader with a strong "change agent" and "builder mindset", capable of driving step-change improvements, and elevating the organization to a higher level of performance. The candidate will be responsible not only for managing daily operations, but for actively transforming them — optimizing operational output, strengthening accountability, and embedding a high-performance culture across the organization.

Working closely with the Plant Manager and senior leadership, this role offers the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future development of an established and strategically important manufacturing platform with strong further growth potential.

Key Responsibilities:

Full Operational Leadership:

• Lead and manage end-to-end operations, covering the full industrial value chain including production, quality, maintenance, and planning
• Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations, with full accountability for output, quality, and delivery performance
• Maintain a strong, highly visible on-site presence on the shop floor, actively engaging with plant operations and frontline teams to drive execution and accountability

Manufacturing Turnaround & Performance Improvement:

• Lead and execute the manufacturing turnaround strategy and operational recovery plans
• Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste within production processes
• Lead and participate in cross-functional problem solving initiatives and improvement task forces
• Drive operational discipline and consistency across all production areas
• Ensure sustainable improvements are implemented and maintained

Production & Operational Excellence:

• Drive performance across technology-driven manufacturing processes involving advanced furnaces, kilns, and production equipment
• Improve OEE, throughput, scrap reduction, cost efficiency, and On-Time Delivery
• Ensure alignment between production planning, capacity, and customer demand

Inventory & Systems Implementation:

• Oversee inventory management and control across the operation
• Drive the implementation and optimization of Microsoft Business Central as the core ERP system, continuing ongoing initiatives to strengthen inventory accuracy and operational visibility

Organizational Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead, coach, and support supervisors and frontline employees
• Strengthen accountability, performance culture, and leadership capabilities across the site
• Foster a culture of ownership, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Support employee training, development, and succession planning efforts
• Promote employee engagement and participation in operational improvement initiatives

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence:

• Act as a hands-on change leader, driving operational optimization and performance improvement
• Support the implementation of Integrated Production Systems (IPS) and Operational Excellence methodologies
• Drive initiatives focused on improving efficiency, reducing waste, and increasing productivity
• Promote process standardization, consistency, and adherence to best practices
• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement through employee involvement and data-driven decision making

Expansion & Capital Projects:

• Support expansion projects and machinery upgrades
• Ensure operational readiness for increased production capacity
• Contribute to the strategic development of the site within the broader group structure

Preconditions:

• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience managing shop floor operations and daily production activities
• Strong understanding of H&S principles, manufacturing processes, and operational performance metrics (OEE, productivity, scrap, OTD)
• Experience supporting operational transformation, turnaround, or continuous improvement initiatives required
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, Six Sigma, or related methodologies (preferred)

Personal Attributes:

• Hands-on, execution-oriented leadership style with a highly visible, Gemba-focused management approach
• Strong business acumen with a focus on performance and results
• Change agent mindset with the ability to challenge, reshape, and improve existing structures
• High energy, proactive, and results-oriented approach
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure manufacturing environments
• Excellent communication and team engagement skills
• Practical, direct, and solution-oriented mindset
• Strong organizational and execution capabilities
• Resilient, adaptable, and committed to achieving results

Employment type:

• Permanent role – direct employment contract with our customer.

Compensation/salary:

• Base salary in the range of $120,000–$130,000 annually.

Benefits:

• 401(k) plan, comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, vision, life), and additional benefits in line with company policy.
• Opportunity to lead and transform a strategically important manufacturing operation
• Backed by significant local investment in facility expansion and new production equipment
• Potential for further career development within the organization