Operations Improvement Manager

The Operations Improvement Manager is responsible for leading plant-wide operational performance by analyzing processes, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing initiatives that improve workflow, reduce costs, and elevate overall production effectiveness. This role oversees daily plant operations—including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people—while ensuring equipment readiness, maintaining production schedules, and supporting troubleshooting across departments. Operating at a plant manager level, the Operations Manager sets performance standards, coaches’ leaders, develops team members, and drives a rigorous continuous improvement agenda using Lean methodologies and KPI-based performance management. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with HR on staffing, fostering strong communication with leadership, upholding company policies and safety standards, and ensuring reliable, high-quality output through disciplined execution and cross-functional coordination.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function.

• Lead and coordinate daily production activities, ensuring schedules, quality standards, throughput goals, and inventory requirements are met.

• Analyze production schedules, allocate resources effectively, and adjust work assignments to meet operational targets.

• Ensure equipment readiness by partnering with Maintenance and assisting in troubleshooting machinery issues.

• Analyze operational processes to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements to methods, equipment performance, and product quality.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean tools (VSM, 5S, SMED, visual management, Kaizen, RCA) to reduce cost and increase productivity.

• Develop, implement, and maintain metrics and KPIs that improve performance, drive accountability, and support decision-making.

• Standardize, document, and ensure adherence to best practices and SOPs.

• Manage and monitor improvement projects, provide status updates to leadership, and make adjustments to maintain progress.

• Conduct project postmortems and produce recommendations to enhance future performance.

• Support cross-functional teams in resolving work requests, optimizing workflows, and enhancing customer service.

• Supervise, train, and develop team members; establish performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.

• Foster accountability, engagement, and a positive work environment across all levels of the plant.

• Manage staffing for direct reports, partnering with HR on interviewing, hiring, and performance management.

• Maintain strong quality control practices, monitor KPIs, and ensure rootcause corrective actions are implemented.

• Uphold all company policies, values, and safety standards; ensure team compliance with regulations and safe work practices.

• Address safety or policy violations promptly, applying corrective action or recognition as appropriate.

• Maintain open communication with supervisors, leadership, and crossfunctional partners to discuss priorities, progress, and issues.

• Collaborate across departments to coordinate activities, resolve problems, and support company objectives.

• Demonstrate consistent and reliable attendance.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support plant operations and business needs.

The individual may be asked to perform other duties as requested.

An individual qualified for this job must be able to:

• Lead and inspire team members; must be able to relate to and build team working relationships.

• Operate a computer and demonstrate PC proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Effectively and professionally communicate with co-workers, team members, and internal or external customers. Present i