What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Manager position at Zellerfeld Shoe Company Inc.?
Your mission
We are seeking multiple Operations Managers to support day-to-day production at our state-of-the-art 3D printed footwear facility in Austin, Texas. These leaders will oversee production and post-production operations including printing, washing, drying, finishing, and quality assurance, while driving efficiency, consistency, and operational excellence across their assigned shifts.
This role works closely with senior leadership, supporting the broader operational strategy defined by the Director of Operations. Ideal candidates bring experience in additive manufacturing, consumer production, or advanced manufacturing systems, along with a strong foundation in Lean / Six Sigma Manufacturing practices.
Key Responsibilities
Skills And Experience
We are an innovative startup at the forefront of 3D-printed shoe technology, and we’re looking for passionate engineers to join our dynamic team. In this key role, you’ll have the opportunity to directly influence the future of how shoes are designed and produced, making your mark on an exciting and rapidly growing industry.
About Us
Zellerfeld is revolutionizing the footwear industry with the world’s first 3D-printing technology for fully customizable shoes. Our goal is simple: printed shoes on every foot. We’re a passionate team of engineers, designers, and innovators, questioning the status quo and disrupting traditional manufacturing processes. Backed by founders, influencers, and celebrities who believe in our vision, we’re committed to making a lasting, positive impact—not just on the footwear industry, but on the world.
We are seeking multiple Operations Managers to support day-to-day production at our state-of-the-art 3D printed footwear facility in Austin, Texas. These leaders will oversee production and post-production operations including printing, washing, drying, finishing, and quality assurance, while driving efficiency, consistency, and operational excellence across their assigned shifts.
This role works closely with senior leadership, supporting the broader operational strategy defined by the Director of Operations. Ideal candidates bring experience in additive manufacturing, consumer production, or advanced manufacturing systems, along with a strong foundation in Lean / Six Sigma Manufacturing practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Safety First - Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
- Lead shift-level operations including 3D printing, finishing, cleaning, quality assurance, and shipping.
- Manage production technicians, assign tasks, coordinate shift schedules, and ensure consistent staffing.
- Execute operational strategies that support scaling production while maintaining high product quality.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, VSM, waste reduction) to improve throughput and reduce variability.
- Support workflow design, production scheduling, and process automation initiatives.
- Collaborate with R&D, design, engineering, and product development teams to translate new product concepts and prototypes into repeatable, efficient production processes.
- Maintain accurate production reporting, KPIs, and performance dashboards related to efficiency, yield, downtime, and cost.
- Troubleshoot operational or equipment issues and coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams.
- Train and mentor team members on equipment usage, SOPs, safety practices, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Contribute to capacity planning, resource allocation, and operational forecasting.
Skills And Experience
- 5 years of experience in manufacturing, additive manufacturing, or related production environments.
- Prior leadership or shift-management experience required.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing methodologies (5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping, etc.) and/or Six Sigma experience strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with 3D printers, fabrication equipment, or similar technology is a plus.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
- Willingness to work assigned shift; flexibility for weekends or extra hours as needed.
We are an innovative startup at the forefront of 3D-printed shoe technology, and we’re looking for passionate engineers to join our dynamic team. In this key role, you’ll have the opportunity to directly influence the future of how shoes are designed and produced, making your mark on an exciting and rapidly growing industry.
About Us
Zellerfeld is revolutionizing the footwear industry with the world’s first 3D-printing technology for fully customizable shoes. Our goal is simple: printed shoes on every foot. We’re a passionate team of engineers, designers, and innovators, questioning the status quo and disrupting traditional manufacturing processes. Backed by founders, influencers, and celebrities who believe in our vision, we’re committed to making a lasting, positive impact—not just on the footwear industry, but on the world.