Operations Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We’re looking for an Operations Manager to lead daily production operations and drive continuous improvement across our manufacturing floor. 

Known internally as our “Efficiency Architect,” this leader focuses on building stronger workflows, smarter processes, and a culture centered around safety, quality, and lean manufacturing initiatives. If you excel at eliminating waste, improving flow, and empowering teams to perform at their best, this role offers the opportunity to shape our operational future and deliver meaningful results. 

You will take a hands-on approach to operations-collaborating across departments, improving systems, and ensuring the production floor runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently. 

WHAT YOU’RE ACCOUNTABILE FOR:

Operations Leadership

·      Oversee daily production operations including scheduling, planning, prioritization, and resource allocation.

·      Ensure products are built to specification, on time, and to the highest quality standards.

·      Convert organizational goals into clearly communicated priorities and performance expectations.

·      Maintain high-quality communication between Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain.

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

·      Implement Lean tools and practices, including 5S, visual management, value stream mapping, standardized work, and single-piece flow.

·      Lead Kaizen events and improvement projects to reduce costs, improve throughput, and increase labor efficiency.

·      Design and reconfigure work cells and production lines for optimal workflow and safety.

·      Partner with IT and functional departments to support ERP development for Acumatica, including workflow design, production module improvements, dashboard creations, and data integrity.

·      Track and report operations KPI’s: OTD, OEE, labor efficiency, throughput, scrap/rework, and takt time adherence.

People & Team Development

·      Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and team leads to achieve daily and long-term goals.

·      Create a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and mutual respect.

·      Support onboarding, cross-training, and skill development throughout the production team. 

Planning & Capital Projects

·      Conduct manpower planning and capacity modeling to align resources with demand.

·      Evaluate and justify capital equipment, automation, tooling, and technology enhancements.

·      Ensure compliance with AS9100, OSHA, safety standards, and customer requirements.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE:

• The production floor operates efficiently, safely, and predictably.
• Lean practices are embedded into daily routines – not treated as one-time initiatives.
• Teams are aligned, informed, and engaged.
• KPIs show measurable improvement in throughput, lead time, labor utilization, and quality. 
• You lead with clarity, consistency, and accountability.

QUALIFICATIONS:

·     10 years of progressive experience leading manufacturing or operations within a small or mid-sized company.

·     Proven success implementing Lean tools and continuous improvement initiatives. 

·     Experience supporting ERP development or enhancements (Acumatica or similar ERP preferred).

·     Experience with high-mix, low-volume, electromechanical or aerospace/defense manufacturing strongly preferred.

·     Skilled in production planning, capacity modeling, throughput improvement, and KPI management.

·     Working knowledge of cost control, labor efficiency, and process optimization.

·     Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Operations Management, or related field (advanced degree or Lean/Six Sigma certification a plus).

·     Experience leading and developing production teams, including supervisors and leads.

·     Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident due to ITAR regulations.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH:

You’ll report directly to the President & CEO and collaborate daily with all departments. This role has significant impact and visibility across operations.  

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

Applied Companies is a Veteran-Founded, Woman-Owned manufacturer of ruggedized Environmental Control Systems and Pressure Vessels supporting the U.S. military and aerospace programs. We are a high-mix, low-volume environment where craftsmanship, precision, and continuous improvement matter. Since 1958, we’ve been driven by our five core values:

• Dedicated to People & the Mission
• Driven to Excel – Find the Path to Yes!
• Collaboration is Our Core
• We Take Ownership
• Every Day, We Improve

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/vision benefits, a generous 401(k) match, profit sharing, and - best of all - a team that genuinely enjoys working together. You’ll join a team that values initiative, continuous learning, and making a meaningful impact.

Employment Type: Regular, Full-time, Exempt

Location: On Site, Valencia, CA

Salary Range: $125,000-$140,000 / year (depending on experience)