Operations Manager - 3rd Shift

Purpose of Position

The Operations Shift Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all manufacturing operations during the assigned shift to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role ensures that departmental production schedules established by department managers are effectively executed while providing leadership and direction to production teams across multiple departments, including mixing, extrusion, molding, pipe gasket, and steel production areas. The Operations Shift Manager monitors operational performance, addresses production challenges in real time, and ensures compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards. This position plays a key role in maintaining production flow, supporting employee development, and driving operational efficiency within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Operational Leadership & Production Oversight

• Oversee and coordinate manufacturing operations during the assigned shift to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
• Ensure departmental production schedules established by department managers are executed and aligned with operational plans.
• Provide leadership and direction to production teams across multiple departments, including mixing, extrusion, molding, pipe gasket, and steel production areas.
• Monitor workflow, staffing, and resources to ensure production targets, quality standards, and delivery expectations are met.
• Identify operational challenges or bottlenecks and implement solutions while supporting lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
  
  

Safety, Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with all company policies, OSHA regulations, and safety procedures
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture through training, communication, and accountability
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality control systems to ensure products meet established standards
• Monitor production processes to ensure adherence to quality and operational procedures
• Investigate safety incidents, quality issues, or operational disruptions and implement corrective actions
  
  

Team Leadership & Employee Development

• Provide direct supervision, leadership, and coaching to shift employees across multiple departments
• Train and mentor team members to support skill development, accountability, and performance
• Conduct employee evaluations and provide ongoing feedback to support professional growth
• Promote a positive and collaborative work environment aligned with company values
  
  

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, efficiency, and product quality
• Lead initiatives that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve operational performance
• Utilize data and production reporting to monitor performance and identify improvement opportunities
• Support implementation of operational improvements and best practices across the facility
  
  

Administrative & Reporting Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain reports related to production performance, staffing, and resource utilization
• Communicate production updates, challenges, and operational needs to leadership and cross-functional teams
• Maintain accurate documentation related to production operations and compliance requirements
• Manage employee timekeeping for the assigned shift, ensuring accuracy and addressing attendance or timecard issues as they arise
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational and company objectives
  
  

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills in a manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes including rubber mixing, extrusion, molding, and related production methods preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for reporting and data analysis
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles preferred
  
  

Education And Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred
• Previous supervisory or managerial experience within a manufacturing environment required
• Experience in rubber or plastics manufacturing processes preferred
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Position would need to deal with conditions with heat & fumes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Operations Shift Manager role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The position is performed in environments that may include exposure to heat, cold, fumes, uneven surfaces, and outdoor conditions throughout the workday. The role requires occasional sitting, while standing and walking occur frequently to continuously depending on operational needs. Occasional postural activities such as stooping, bending, climbing, and kneeling/half-kneeling may be required, as well as occasional balancing and pushing/pulling. The position requires frequent use of machinery and tools, as well as continuous hand movement and gripping during task execution. Lifting tasks include occasional lifts from floor, waist, and overhead levels, with load ranges from 10-40 lbs., depending on operational requirements. The Operations Shift Manager must be able to safely navigate the facility, supervise operations, and perform essential duties in all departments and work environments encountered.