Manager, Site Operations

Methods Machine Tools Inc•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

Methods Machine Tools was established in 1958 with three employees and a handful of refurbished machines. Since then, the company has become one of the largest privately owned machine tool importers in North America. Methods designs and implements custom machining setups, including machine tool selection, automation integration, and turnkey automation cells. The corporate campus in Sudbury, Mass., comprises a showroom/technical center, which contains automation, applications, and a full range of cutting-edge machines. Methods has more than 300 employees, nine technology centers, one high precision machining center, and has installed more than 40,000 machines throughout North America. Position Summary: The Manager, Site Operations is accountable for end-to-end execution of the North Carolina site, including production, standard automation delivery, commissioning activities as required, and facilities operations. This role serves as the Lean Leader for the site, establishing the operating system, standard work, and daily management cadence required to deliver safe, high-quality, on-time, and cost-effective outcomes. The role balances hands-on floor leadership with strategic and administrative responsibilities, ensuring the site scales predictably while supporting existing customers and launching Standard Automation capabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum of seven years of progressive operations leadership experience in production, integration, or industrial environments.
Demonstrated, hands-on experience leading Lean execution in a production or integration setting.
Proven ability to establish standard work, flow, and daily management systems.
Experience leading production startup, scale-up, or operational transformation initiatives.
Strong understanding of machine tool, automation, or industrial equipment environments.
Effective communicator with the ability to lead across functions and influence without relying on hierarchy.
Proficiency with ERP systems and operational reporting tools.
Ability to balance office-based leadership with regular floor presence.
Ability to stand, walk, and observe operations in an industrial environment.
Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs.
Ability to wear required PPE in shop and production areas.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating within an ISO-certified environment preferred (ISO 9001 or equivalent).
Formal Lean certifications are valued but not required; demonstrated application and results are essential.

Responsibilities

Own daily site execution across production, standard automation, commissioning activities as required, logistics, and facilities.
Establish and maintain operating rhythm, priorities, and escalation paths.
Ensure alignment between site execution and corporate objectives for quality, delivery, cost, and customer experience.
Own production execution for standard and configured builds, including scheduling, readiness, and delivery performance.
Lead startup, stabilization, and replication of Standard Automation offerings.
Partner with Engineering to transition automation solutions from development to repeatable execution.
Own commissioning readiness, first-pass yield, and customer acceptance prior to handoff.
Serve as the Lean Leader for the NC site
Establish and sustain standard work across production, automation, and commissioning activities
Implement daily management systems, visual controls, and tiered escalation
Lead structured problem-solving using PDCA and root cause methodologies
Drive lead time reduction, waste elimination, and continuous improvement through disciplined execution
Coach Team Leads and supervisors in Lean behaviors, accountability, and operating discipline
Support existing site customers through disciplined execution and commissioning activities.
Coordinate with Applications Engineering and Service to ensure effective handoff following commissioning and customer acceptance.
Support customer demonstrations, training, and site-based engagements as required.
Lead, develop, and hold accountable site personnel and Team Leads supporting production, standard automation, logistics, and commissioning activities as required.
Establish clear role ownership, expectations, and escalation paths.
Conduct performance reviews and support targeted capability development.
Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
Oversee facility readiness, equipment availability, and security.
Maintain a safe, organized working environment aligned with Lean principles.
Manage vendors supporting facility and operational needs.
Develop and manage site operating budgets with a focus on cost control and efficiency.
Track and report performance metrics aligned to SQDC and lead time objectives.
Contribute to site and network-level planning for growth and capability expansion.
Identify risks and proactively implement mitigation plans.