Manufacturing and Operations Manager

Head of Operations

Reports to: CEO / President

About Us

We are a family-owned, growth-focused manufacturing company that designs and builds capital equipment. Our team values helping others, continuous improvement, teamwork, and ownership. We operate in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment where the right person can make a meaningful impact quickly.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a small company where systems are evolving and every improvement matters.

Position Summary

The Head of Operations is responsible for keeping the entire operational engine running smoothly — from order release through shipment. This leader will oversee scheduling, purchasing, inventory, machine shop supervision, and on-time delivery performance while building scalable processes and developing people.

This role requires someone who is detail-oriented, highly organized, financially minded, and entrepreneurial, with the ability to thrive in an environment that is still building systems and processes.

Key Objectives of the Role

• Improve and maintain On-Time Delivery performance
• Drive cost reduction and margin improvement
• Build scalable systems in a pre-ERP / evolving ERP environment
• Develop and lead a high-performing operations team
• Create visibility, accountability, and predictable workflows

Core Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations across production, scheduling, purchasing, inventory, and shipping.
• Ensure projects move smoothly from sales order to shipment.
• Establish clear accountability and performance metrics across the operations team.
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation.

Production Scheduling & Planning

• Own the master production schedule and capacity planning.
• Coordinate engineering, purchasing, and production to meet delivery commitments.
• Identify bottlenecks and proactively solve workflow issues.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning accuracy and throughput.

Machine Shop & Manufacturing Oversight

• Supervise the machine shop and manufacturing teams.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production practices.
• Partner with engineering to improve manufacturability and workflow.
• Implement lean and continuous improvement initiatives.

Purchasing, Inventory & Supply Chain

• Perform strategic purchasing and oversee purchasing team activities.
• Manage supplier relationships, lead times, and cost negotiations.
• Improve inventory accuracy and implement better inventory controls.
• Drive initiatives to reduce COGS and material waste.

Financial & Operational Performance

• Understand and manage operational financial drivers.
• Analyze labor, material, and overhead costs.
• Partner with leadership to improve gross margin.
• Use data and reporting to guide decision-making.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and develop a cross-functional operations team.
• Provide coaching, accountability, and career development.
• Foster a culture of ownership, teamwork, and problem solving.
• Build strong communication between departments.

Systems & Process Development

• Implement and train on 5S
• Be the driving force to get the company ISO ready and certified
• Improve workflows using software, automation, and better data visibility.
• Create dashboards and metrics to track performance.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Experience

• 7–15 years in manufacturing operations leadership
• Experience in a small or mid-size manufacturer strongly preferred
• Experience working without a mature ERP (or implementing one) a major plus
• Background in machining or fabrication environments highly desirable
• Experience supervising production teams and machine shops
• Purchasing or supply chain experience required

Skills & Competencies

• Strong computer and systems skills (Excel, inventory systems, scheduling tools)
• Financial acumen and cost-reduction mindset
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Natural problem solver and process builder
• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort wearing multiple hats
• Strong leadership and people-development skills
• Ability to bring structure and accountability to growing organizations

Success Traits

The right person will be:

• Detail-oriented but big-picture focused
• Hands-on and willing to jump in where needed
• Comfortable building processes from scratch and analyzing existing processes
• Motivated by improving systems and helping people grow
• Calm under pressure and solution-focused

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Manual machine : 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person