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Why work for us?

Alkegen brings together two of the world's leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we're delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.

With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry's most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.

Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we're always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!

Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading daily plant operations in a high-volume Tier 1/Tier 2 automotive manufacturing environment. This role drives operational excellence across production, quality, safety, cost, and delivery performance, while supporting strategic initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

The position serves as the Plant Manager's key operational partner and acts as the primary leader for manufacturing execution, workforce management, and lean transformation.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDIPC) targets
• Lead production, maintenance, logistics, and engineering functions to ensure seamless plant performance
• Drive adherence to production schedules and customer delivery requirements
• Act as Plant Manager in their absence

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and CI initiatives (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, standard work)
• Identify and execute productivity improvements, waste reduction, and cost-saving initiatives
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for operational issues
• Establish a culture of accountability and continuous improvement

Quality & Customer Performance

• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 / ISO quality standards
• Drive internal and external quality performance, including PPM reduction and customer satisfaction
• Partner with quality teams on audits, containment, and corrective actions
• Support APQP, PPAP, and launch activities

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a zero-incident safety culture and ensure compliance with all Federal, State, Local, and Company HSEQ regulations.
• Lead safety programs, audits, and corrective actions
• Ensure environmental and regulatory compliance
• Maintain Alkegen's highest level of safety standards on site including identifying and correcting unsafe conditions and unsafe acts. Will embody Alkegen's core safety principles including but not limited to The Seven Safety Absolutes, use of PPE, and Safe Standards of Work at all times.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of supervisors, managers, and department leaders
• Drive employee engagement, accountability, and performance management
• Support workforce planning, training, and succession planning
• Conduct monthly one-on-one coaching sessions with direct reports and complete annual performance appraisals
• Foster a positive labor relations environment (union experience)

Financial & Business Performance

• Manage plant operating budgets and drive cost control initiatives
• Analyze KPIs and financial metrics to improve plant profitability
• Support capital investment planning and execution
• Optimize labor efficiency and resource utilization

New Program Launch & Engineering Support

• Support new product launches and capacity expansions
• Collaborate with engineering and program management teams to meet timing and cost targets
• Ensure smooth ramp-up and operational readiness

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Safety (Gembas, BSO, Recordables, Lost Time Incidents)
• On-time delivery (OTIF)
• Inventory
• Scrap and PPM rates
• OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
• Labor efficiency and productivity
• Cost performance vs. budget

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field required

Experience

• 7 to 10 years of experience in automotive manufacturing (Tier 1 preferred)
• 5+ years in leadership roles within plant operations
• Union environment experience
• Strong background in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Launch experience with all customers with an automotive OEM customer focus

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
• Deep understanding of automotive quality systems (IATF 16949)
• Proven ability to drive operational performance and cultural change
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Financial acumen and data-driven mindset
• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt)
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Salary Range: 115k-143k

If you are interested in being part of a world class manufacturing function here at Alkegen then we would love to hear from you.

At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people - ALL PEOPLE - breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world.

Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran's status, or any other protected class.