What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Manager position at EXALTA Group?
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing Logistics (shipping and receiving) and CEA (Controlled Environment Area) Operations within the manufacturing plant at EXALTA in Marquette, MI. This role ensures the efficient flow of materials, strict adherence to clean room standards, and alignment of operations with production demands.
This position oversees daily logistics activities, including inbound and outbound shipments, inventory accuracy, and material handling, while also maintaining compliance with clean room protocols, environmental controls, and regulatory requirements. The Operations Manager will drive operational excellence by improving processes, managing resources, and fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Additionally, this role is accountable for cost control, workforce leadership, and performance management across logistics and clean room teams. The Operations Manager plays a critical role in maximizing throughput and supporting the organization’s ability to serve patients while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversee daily logistics operations, including shipping, receiving, warehousing, and material flow to ensure timely and accurate product movement.
- Lead and manage clean room operations, ensuring compliance with all environmental, contamination control, and regulatory standards.
- Ensure proper coordination between logistics, production, and quality teams to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
- Maintain active involvement in employee selection, training, and development for logistics and clean room staff. Conduct hiring, performance reviews, and corrective actions; provide oversight for supervisory staff as applicable.
- Serve as a champion for employee safety, CEA compliance, and overall team morale.
- Implement and enforce workplace safety protocols, including OSHA standards and clean room-specific safety requirements.
- Monitor and improve inventory accuracy, material traceability, and storage practices.
- Develop and execute cost control and reduction strategies within logistics and clean room operations.
- Drive a continuous improvement culture across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Cost, with strong emphasis on logistics efficiency and clean room performance.
- Track and achieve key performance indicators (KPIs), including shipping accuracy, inventory discrepancies, non-conformances, corrective/preventive actions, and audit results.
- Ensure readiness for internal and external audits related to clean room operations and material handling processes.
This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions and may not necessarily comprise all essential functions.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED AND/OR PREFERRED:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field required, or equivalent experience.
- Proven experience in logistics, warehouse operations, clean room environments, or similar settings, preferably in a manufacturing setting.
- Strong understanding workplace safety regulations and preferably CEA standards (e.g., ISO classifications, GMP).
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies, preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Technical Competencies
Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Expertise in shipping/receiving, inventory control, and warehouse operations.
- Knowledge of material flow, traceability, and storage requirements.
Controlled Environment Area Operations
- Understanding of CEA protocols, contamination control, and environmental monitoring.
- Ability to enforce gowning procedures, cleanliness standards, and regulatory compliance.
Process Optimization
- Ability to streamline logistics workflows and clean room processes for efficiency and compliance.
- Continuous improvement mindset with hands-on implementation experience.
Productivity & Performance Management
- Proficiency with ERP/WMS systems and performance tracking tools.
- Ability to analyze KPIs related to logistics throughput and clean room efficiency.
Cost Control and Reduction
- Budget management and cost analysis within logistics and controlled environments.
- Identification and execution of cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality.
Workplace Safety & Compliance
- Strong knowledge of OSHA and clean room-specific safety standards.
- Ability to conduct risk assessments and enforce compliance protocols.
Behavioral & Basic Skill Competencies
Team Leadership & Management
- Strong leadership of logistics and clean room teams, including delegation and performance coaching.
- Ability to set clear expectations and drive accountability.
Employee Development & Engagement
- Promote team engagement, training, and adherence to clean room discipline.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Strategic Alignment
- Align logistics and CEA operations with production and organizational goals.
- Communicate priorities effectively across teams.
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
- Quickly assess operational challenges in logistics and controlled environments.
- Implement practical and compliant solutions under pressure.
Communication & Collaboration
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.
- Build strong relationships to ensure seamless operational flow.