Manufacturing Operations Manager

MillerKnoll•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Manufacturing Operations Manager leads, manages, and sets strategy for multiple Operations Work Team Leaders and their teams. The role aligns operational objectives—including safety, quality, reliability, cost, continuous improvement, and employee morale—with Operations and corporate business strategies. Results are achieved by coaching, leading, and developing Work Team Leaders and their teams, as well as through effective planning, organization, implementation, and execution. The position champions continuous improvement, kaizen, and the elimination of waste; develops employees and leaders; and fosters a culture of employee participation, problem solving, and learning. It leads efforts to produce to customer demand using one-piece flow, achieve zero defects and on-time delivery, and maintain quality-system compliance. The manager is also responsible for workplace safety, safety training and policies, environmental goals, and ensuring Work Team Leaders maintain a strong shop-floor presence.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing or operations management, or equivalent professional experience.
At least six years of successful supervisory experience, including leading teams, salaried employees, and multiple departments in a technical or complex operations environment.
Demonstrated coaching and change-management skills.
Experience implementing and coaching lean manufacturing principles and tools in a multi-shift or multi-team environment.
Ability to express ideas effectively, verbally and nonverbally.
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills and professionalism.
Ability to resolve conflict in a team environment.
Ability to identify and understand issues and make appropriate decisions.
Proficiency in ISO quality systems fundamentals and Lean Manufacturing principles.
PC and systems literacy, including Excel, Word, and Lotus Notes.
Ability to use office automation and communication software and tools used in an office environment.
Ability to perform all essential functions with or without accommodations.

Responsibilities

Champion continuous improvement by eliminating waste and developing processes that add value to the customer.
Promote daily kaizen activities and proactive problem solving with a shop-floor focus.
Develop and coach Work Team Leaders in problem-solving management and disciplined continuous improvement.
Support employee selection and training, and help employees develop skills to increase their contribution and improve operations.
Motivate and involve production teams in process improvement through expectations, teaching, coaching, accountability, and solicitation of employee ideas.
Create a work environment that encourages employees to take risks and share improvement ideas; coach leaders to use their leadership skills to drive improvements.
Lead implementation of a pull system that produces to customer demand using takt time and one-piece flow; coach teams, provide strategies, and remove barriers.
Identify and solve broad quality problems; ensure accountability for zero defects; partner with Customer Service and Corporate Quality to identify root causes and implement solutions.
Manage and monitor compliance with the HMI quality plan and ISO 9000 certification.
Recognize outstanding individual and team performance aligned with the company's “Things That Matter,” and provide timely feedback, performance reviews, coaching, and discipline.
Develop strategies and remove obstacles to ensure on-time delivery of quality products to customers.
Ensure a safe work environment for employees and visitors; lead the safety program, implement 5-S principles, ensure completion of safety training, administer safety policies and procedures, and maintain compliance with state and federal legislation.
Manage and monitor corporate and plant environmental goals.
Ensure Work Team Leaders spend 80% of their time directly on the shop floor.