Sr. Operations Manager

Overview

About Cretex Medical

Cretex Medical is a leading contract manufacturer of precision components and assemblies for the medical device industry.  Our customers view us as a trusted partner in the areas of injection molding, laser processing, metal stamping and device assembly.  Learn more at www.cretexmedical.com.

 

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Operations Manager to play a critical role in driving operational excellence, productivity, and scalability in support of our long-term business goals within our plastic injection business unit either supporting our General Molding or Assembly/Implant operations. This position will lead efforts to streamline processes, enhance team performance, and ensure compliance within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate must have expertise in plastics manufacturing and/or assembly operations along with demonstrated experience in team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, risk mitigation, and cost optimization, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement systems to optimize production and business processes.

• Set and communicate long-term goals, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and objectives.

• Manage budgets, financial forecasts, and cost-reduction strategies.

• Monitor and enhance operational KPIs to sustain and improve performance.

• Lead customer-focused initiatives to ensure on-time delivery and exceptional service.

• Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to support business growth.

• Drive efficiencies using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and 5S methodologies.

• Ensure compliance with quality, ISO, and regulatory requirements in medical device manufacturing.

• Integrate new technologies and systems to advance operational capabilities.

• Mentor and develop mid-level managers, supervisors, and front-line leads.

• Foster a culture of accountability, professional growth, and continuous learning.

• Identify and implement automation and digital transformation initiatives.

• Troubleshoot and solve complex operational challenges.

• Maintain a strong understanding of customer needs and core markets served.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in a manufacturing leadership role.
• 5+ years of experience in a plastics manufacturing or injection molding operation role and/or 5+ year of experience in a technical role within the medical device manufacturing industry.  Experience must include:
  • For General Molding hands-on understanding of injection molding processes, materials, equipment, tooling.
  • Strong background in production planning, capacity management, cost optimization.
  • Experience in supporting IQ, OQ, PQ validation activities.
  • For Assembly Operations: experience in medical device assembly, automation, and manual assembly processes.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

• Demonstrated success driving long-term operational change, performance improvements, and cost optimization.

• Extensive experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and other process optimization initiatives.

• Strong leadership agility with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive collaboration across production, quality, and engineering.

• Experience working in regulated manufacturing environments (medical device, aerospace or automotive), with knowledge of FDA, ISO regulation.

• Demonstrated leadership agility with potential for future director-level growth.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to lead and engage teams at all levels.

• Ability to work on-site in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of mold design, maintenance, and troubleshooting principles.
• Familiarity with auxiliary equipment (dryers, loaders, robots, chillers, thermolators, etc.)
• MBA or advanced degree in a related field

• Lean Certification.

• Ongoing professional development through associations, organizations, or industry groups.

 

What is it like to work at Cretex Medical?

We recognize the contribution of every individual and promote growth, safety an