Manager, Manufacturing Operations

FuelCell Energy•Torrington, CT

4d•$96,500 - $105,000

About The Position

The Manager of Manufacturing Operations strengthens the operating model, process discipline, and execution infrastructure within the Manufacturing organization. Working closely with Manufacturing leadership, this role supports organizational transformation, cross-functional coordination, and consistent processes that enable reliable execution, clear accountability, and continuous improvement. The position serves as a trusted advisor to Manufacturing leadership and provides hands-on leadership for process improvement, standard work, meeting cadence, documentation practices, organizational planning support, and transformation initiatives. It currently has no direct reports, but requires influencing across teams, driving follow-through, and turning leadership priorities into practical, sustainable operating practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, manufacturing, operations, project management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
At least 5 years of experience in manufacturing operations, project management, process improvement, operational excellence, business operations, or a related function.
Demonstrated experience improving processes, creating standard work, managing cross-functional initiatives, and driving follow-through without direct authority.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.
Strong process orientation and ability to move from recommendations to implementation and sustained adoption.
Business judgment, discretion, and ability to work with senior leaders on sensitive organizational priorities.
Ability to influence, organize, and drive accountability across functions without formal reporting authority.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to summarize complex information clearly for leadership audiences.
Strong problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and follow-up skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders in a changing environment.
Comfort working with ambiguity and helping define structure where processes, ownership, or expectations are not fully established.
Collaborative style and ability to build trusted relationships across technical and non-technical teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting technical, manufacturing, energy, or product development organizations.
Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma, operational excellence, or continuous improvement certification.
Experience working within a matrixed manufacturing or product development environment.
Experience supporting transformation initiatives, organizational redesign, governance processes, leadership operating rhythms, or enterprise process improvement.
Experience developing executive-level communications, dashboards, trackers, presentation materials, or decision-support documents.

Responsibilities

Partner with the SVP Manufacturing and Manufacturing leadership team to support organizational transformation and manufacturing scaling activities.
Track milestones and costs, forecast CAPEX, and support project and program execution.
Lead and coordinate manufacturing operations activities that improve process consistency, execution discipline, communication, and organizational effectiveness.
Coordinate implementation and tracking of product changes, ensuring established processes are followed.
Translate leadership priorities into actionable plans, process improvements, meeting structures, documentation, and follow-up mechanisms.
Develop, maintain, and improve Manufacturing operating processes, standard work, reference materials, and related documentation.
Support Manufacturing leadership meetings, town halls, business reviews, and planning forums by preparing materials, coordinating inputs, tracking actions, and ensuring timely follow-through.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on Manufacturing processes, project execution, risk management, lessons learned, documentation control, and cross-functional alignment.
Identify process gaps, unclear ownership, execution risks, and improvement opportunities; recommend and help implement practical solutions.
Coordinate with Manufacturing leaders, HR, Finance, Product, Operations, and other stakeholders on organizational planning, headcount planning, reporting structures, budget inputs, and related business processes.
Support implementation and adoption of tools, templates, metrics, and governance practices that improve Manufacturing visibility, accountability, and decision-making.
Facilitate collaboration across Manufacturing teams to ensure consistent practices, reduce duplication, and support a scalable operating model.
Prepare executive-level summaries, communications, updates, and presentations concerning Manufacturing processes, organizational changes, and improvement initiatives.
Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive organizational, employee, project, and business information.