Manager of Production Operations

Manager of Production Operations

Introduction

Microboard Processing, Inc. (Microboard), located in Seymour, CT is a privately held, completely state-of-the-art Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider that has been in business for 40 years. We are relentless with our continuous improvement philosophy as well as our equipment, software and human capabilities, employing the brightest minds and the newest equipment (FUJI NXT III SMT, Automated climate-controlled inventory towers, 5D X-Rays, in-line SPI’s and AOI’s, on-site Nitrogen Generation, etc.). We are constantly pursuing global certifications to maintain Microboard at the leading edge of technology with a keen sensitivity to our environment (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, AS9100D, ISO14001, ITAR).

Position Summary

The Operations Manager oversees the daily execution of manufacturing and warehouse operations within a high-mix, low-to-medium volume EMS environment. This role is responsible for ensuring operational performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP) through effective production management, workforce coordination, and process discipline.

The Operations Manager works closely with production supervisors, engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to maintain schedule adherence, maximize equipment utilization, and support continuous improvement initiatives. This position focuses on maintaining efficient production flow, resolving operational issues, and ensuring consistent adherence to established processes and regulatory requirements.

The Operations Manager reports to the Vice President of Operations and provides leadership and mentorship to frontline supervisors across manufacturing and materials operations. 

A successful candidate would have a clear path to Director role.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Manage and support production supervisors and frontline operational staff to ensure efficient execution of daily manufacturing activities.
• Establish clear performance expectations aligned with SQDCP operational metrics.
• Support workforce development through coaching, training, and ongoing performance feedback.
• Participate in daily operational reviews and tiered management meetings to address production challenges and escalate issues when necessary.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Assist with workforce planning to align staffing levels with production demand and operational efficiency targets.
• Ensure consistent application of company policies, safety procedures, and operational standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily production activities to ensure adherence to manufacturing schedules and on-time delivery commitments.
• Monitor and manage production performance across SMT, secondary operations, assembly, test, and warehouse functions.
• Work with production planning teams to improve schedule execution using ERP and JobPack systems.
• Lead the efforts to maximize SMT line utilization and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) through effective coordination, setup efficiency, and preventative maintenance scheduling.
• Manage labor utilization and lead initiatives to improve productivity through standard work practices and effective line balancing.
• Lead the implementation and sustainment of lean manufacturing practices including 5S, visual management, waste reduction, and process standardization.
• Maintain visibility of operational performance through production boards, dashboards, and key performance indicators.
• Identify and resolve operational disruptions affecting production schedules, material availability, or product quality.
• Collaborate with Engineering to support new product introductions (NPI), process improvements, and manufacturability initiatives.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Materials teams to ensure timely material availability and accurate inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality management system requirements including ISO, AS, medical, and ITAR standards.
• Lead and support continuous improvement activities including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Maintain a safe working environment by promoting compliance with environmental, health, and safety policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and team management skills in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of EMS manufacturing processes including SMT, through-hole, assembly, test, and box build operations.
• Working knowledge of production planning and ERP/MRP systems such as JobPack or similar manufacturing platforms.
• Ability to analyze operational performance metrics and support data-driven decision making.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, quality, and supply chain functions.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and operational discipline.
• Proficiency with operational reporting tools and standard business software applications.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) strongly preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, with significant experience in the EMS industry.
• Demonstrated experience with regulated manufacturing environments including ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100, or ITAR preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to move throughout manufacturing and warehouse areas.
• Must be able to stand, bend, stretch, squat, and occasionally work around production equipment to observe operations.