Sr. Operations Manager

Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses, Electrical Thermal Solutions (ETS), part of Spirax Group, creates electrical process heating and temperature management solutions, including industrial heaters and systems, heat tracing, and a range of component technologies. At Chromalox, we build advanced thermal technologies for the world’s most challenging industrial heating applications.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we got our start with an innovative solution 100 years ago when a self-taught engineer invented the first metal-sheathed resistance heating element. It was this then-advanced thermal technology that launched an entire industry.

We excel in industries that have high expectations. We are acknowledged as experts at delivering solutions that exceed specifications, limit risk, and reduce operating costs.

Join us as we continue to provide solutions to our customers and the world!

The Role:

Directs and coordinates through supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the production of company products, utilizing knowledge of product technology, production methods and procedures, capabilities of machines and equipment, maintenance of company facilities, and safety. Develops and implements goals and objectives to meet business initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Safety is our top priority. This role collaborates with subordinates to consistently improve the safety of all team members by working closely with EHS leadership and supporting advancement through the established framework. Supports and promotes health and safety guidelines, training and compliance to include hazardous waste and EPA compliance. Reviews all safety-related incidents and associated corrective actions.
• Confers with management to establish production and quality control standards, develop budget and cost controls, and to obtain data regarding types, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates of products.
• Collaborates with the Planning team to schedule production activities in accordance with established priorities and objectives, ensuring compliance with published KPIs.
• Utilizes Lean techniques—including value stream mapping, single-piece flow, and SMED—to run production lines efficiently. Implements standardized work procedures to embed best practices, ensuring timely delivery and consistent product quality.
• Monitors production processes and ensures they meet customer specifications and the requirements of the Quality Management System (QMS). Utilizes skills matrices to identify and track the competencies of subordinates, providing leadership and development as needed to achieve set objectives.
• Implements 5S and TPM across the facility, using Gemba walks to track progress and recognize top performers.
• Co-facilitates Kaizen events to increase speed, efficiency, and optimize space.
• Evaluates production and operations reports to address and resolve operational and manufacturing challenges, ensuring cost control, timely operations, and achievement of plant goals.
• Implements and drives continuous improvement activities through the implementation of change management processes and best practices.
• Works with Supervisors to effectively execute policies and organizational goals and objectives in the hiring, training, and supervision of production and service personnel.
• Inspects plant facilities or reviews inspection reports to determine repairs, replacement, or improvements required.
• Demonstrates commitment to the philosophy of Self Directed Teams to drive continuous improvement and multi-disciplined problem-solving in all aspects of performance.
• Must have a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Position continually requires demonstrated tact and diplomacy.
• Responsible for Final Acceptance Testing (FAT) pass/fail.
• Manages Production Supervisors. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of work performance.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year College or University in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in a made-to-order or custom product manufacturing plant site.
• Demonstrated experience and/or training in Six Sigma, Principles of Lean, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Pull Systems, Cellular Manufacturing, and Kaizen events.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, identify and address problems, meet deadlines, and stay within budget.
• Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts and operations. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Work requires continual attention to detail in follow through, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines.