What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Manager position at Jamak Fabrication?
Operations Manager
Manufacturing Operations | Full-Time | On-Site
POSITION SUMMARY
Jamak is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our silicone manufacturing operations — including molding and extrusion processes — with a focus on efficiency, safety, quality, and continuous improvement. This role drives daily production performance while developing our people and building a culture of operational excellence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Production Management
- Direct silicone manufacturing operations across compression molding, injection molding, and extrusion processes
- Track and optimize key production metrics: throughput, yield, efficiency, scrap rates, and on-time delivery
- Oversee tooling and mold management, including maintenance schedules and process validation
- Partner with engineering on new product introductions and process development
Team Leadership
- Lead and develop production supervisors, team leads, and manufacturing staff
- Drive recruiting, onboarding, and skills development across the operations team
- Conduct performance reviews and deliver meaningful coaching and mentorship
- Build a workplace culture grounded in safety, quality, and continuous improvement
- Champion cross-functional collaboration with engineering, quality, maintenance, and supply chain
Process Improvement
- Deploy lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve flow
- Optimize cycle times, material yields, and post-processing efficiency
- Lead kaizen events focused on silicone material handling, cure optimization, and throughput
- Analyze production data to identify and resolve bottlenecks
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures
- Drive cost reduction through material usage optimization and energy efficiency initiatives
- Implement predictive maintenance programs for molding presses and extrusion equipment
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure products consistently meet dimensional tolerances, physical properties, and customer specifications
- Partner with quality teams on process capability studies and statistical process control
- Support customer audits and certification processes
- Manage non-conforming material disposition and corrective action workflows
Safety & Environmental
- Maintain a safe environment with focused controls around silicone material handling and high-temperature operations
- Ensure proper ventilation and exposure controls throughout silicone processing areas
- Lead safety meetings and incident investigations with urgency and thoroughness
- Implement waste minimization and proper disposal practices for silicone materials
- Monitor and improve environmental performance including VOC emissions and waste stream management
Financial Management
- Own and manage operational budgets with accountability for results
- Monitor and control manufacturing costs across labor, materials, and overhead
- Analyze variances and drive corrective actions with speed and precision
- Participate in capital expenditure planning and business case development
- Report KPIs clearly to leadership with actionable insights
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field
- Master’s degree preferred
Experience
- 5–7 years of manufacturing operations experience with an emphasis on polymer processing
- 3 years in silicone molding (compression, injection, or transfer) and/or extrusion operations
- 3 years of supervisory or management experience in a manufacturing environment
- Hands-on knowledge of tooling design, mold flow analysis, and process optimization
- Practical experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
- Familiarity with ERP systems and manufacturing software platforms
- Background in automotive, medical device, aerospace, or industrial sealing applications a plus
Skills & Competencies
- Proven leadership with the ability to inspire, develop, and hold teams accountable
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on root-cause resolution
- Deep knowledge of molding and extrusion equipment operation and maintenance
- Proficiency in data analysis, statistical process control, and performance metrics
- Working knowledge of quality management systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, FDA 21 CFR Part 820)
- Understanding of OSHA regulations and chemical handling requirements
- Clear, confident communicator across all levels of the organization
- Experience managing process improvement and capital equipment projects
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with CAD and manufacturing software
PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
PHYSICAL & WORKING CONDITIONS
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a manufacturing environment
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally
- Comfortable working with industrial machinery, elevated temperatures (up to 400°F), and processing chemicals
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends, during peak periods or new launches
- On-call availability for production emergencies and critical equipment issues
- Occasional travel to other Jamak facilities, suppliers, or customer sites
REPORTING STRUCTURE & SUCCESS METRICS
Reporting Structure
- Reports to: VP of Operations
- Direct Reports: Production Supervisors, Team Leaders, Manufacturing Technicians
How Success Is Measured
- Production efficiency and throughput across molding and extrusion lines
- Quality metrics: defect rates, dimensional accuracy, material compliance
- Safety performance: incident rates, near-miss trends, exposure controls
- Cost management: material yield, cycle time, energy efficiency
- On-time delivery and customer satisfaction scores
- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) for presses and extrusion lines
- Team engagement, development, and retention
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Salary commensurate with experience
- Benefits eligible the first day of the month following 60 days of employment
- Comprehensive benefits package including:
- Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance & AD&D
- Critical Illness Coverage
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid vacation time 9 paid holidays per year
- Dependent Educational Scholarship Program (available after 3 years of service)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Visa Sponsorship: Jamak does not sponsor visa applications for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Jamak is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Ready to lead operations at JAMAK? Apply at www.jamak.com/careers