Operations Manager - Manufacturing (Nights)

Ashley Furniture Industries•Advance, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Operations Manager directs production activities for multiple departments, work centers, and processes on an assigned shift, leading and mentoring production supervisors to achieve overall performance goals for production, cost, quality, and safety. This hands-on, results-driven leadership role thrives on the manufacturing floor, spending the majority of time driving efficiency, solving problems, and mentoring the team right where the action happens. The Operations Manager coordinates production activities through planning with departmental supervisors, schedulers, HR managers, and quality systems trainers to ensure that manufacturing objectives are accomplished in a timely and cost-effective manner. The ideal candidate is a "roll up your sleeves" leader who is passionate about building a world-class operational culture through presence, accountability, and direct engagement with the people and processes that drive our success—preferring to lead from a Gemba walk over a conference room.

Requirements

Associate's Degree in Business, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field required (or equivalent work experience)
Minimum 5 years of experience in production leadership or related manufacturing area
Proven supervisory or management experience with direct reports
Management of resources to optimize equipment, facilities, employees, methods, and materials
Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Quality Improvement principles and methodologies
Experience with system improvement methods, capacity planning, and product flow optimization
Excellent leadership and team-building skills with ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with data-driven decision-making approach
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate across all organizational levels
Hands-on, "Gemba Walk" leadership style with preference for leading from the manufacturing floor
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require
Physical ability to walk production floors extensively, stand for extended periods, and work in manufacturing environment

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field
7+ years of manufacturing operations experience in furniture, wood products, or related industry
Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)
Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms)
Background in budgeting, financial analysis, and P&L management
Knowledge of OSHA regulations and workplace safety management
Experience with automated manufacturing systems and advanced manufacturing technologies
Project management experience with capital improvement initiatives
Understanding of quality management systems and statistical process control
Advanced degree (MBA) or Operations Management Certification

Responsibilities

Direct production activities for multiple departments, work centers, and processes on an assigned shift to meet production targets and quality standards
Lead the efforts to develop new processes and improve product quality by working with internal and external customers and suppliers
Plan in a forward capacity by working with purchasing, production planning, and inventory control to achieve and maintain product flow to meet production and financial objectives
Ensure that shift personnel adhere to the highest standards of shop floor organization, plant cleanliness, and 5S principles
Monitor production schedules and adjust priorities to meet changing business needs and customer requirements
Spend majority of time on the manufacturing floor engaging directly with teams, processes, and problem-solving in real-time
Lead from the front lines through active presence, observation, and hands-on involvement in daily operations
Work to maintain budget for functional area including labor, materials, utilities, and overhead costs
Monitor and control departmental costs while maintaining production and quality standards
Identify cost reduction opportunities without compromising safety or quality
Track and report on financial performance metrics and variances
Optimize resource utilization to maximize efficiency and minimize waste
Ensure adequate staffing to meet production needs through effective workforce planning and scheduling
Make employment decisions and/or recommendations on hiring, improvement plans, transfers, promotions, corrective actions, terminations, pay adjustments, etc.
Coordinate and manage the work of employees by directing members of the team to meet the area's goals and production objectives
Audit regularly to ensure standard operating procedures are being adhered to and quality standards are maintained
Manage employee performance and assist employees in making improvements to their performance through coaching, mentoring, and administering performance reviews
Recommend, plan, and/or implement employee training and skill development activities to build organizational capability
Audit, maintain, and ensure employee time-keeping and absent-keeping records are accurate and comply with company policies
Communicate company and departmental issues and goals through weekly team meetings, regular individual employee meetings, coaching, training, and company-offered learning opportunities
Facilitate employee growth and development by identifying career paths and providing developmental opportunities
Build strong relationships with production supervisors through mentorship, coaching, and daily engagement
Ensure employees receive proper safety training, maintain a safe work environment, and perform safe work practices at all times
Perform regular safety audits and address unsafe conditions or behaviors immediately
Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies across all production activities
Lead safety meetings and promote a culture of safety awareness throughout the manufacturing operations
Investigate incidents, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence
Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety protocols
Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Quality Improvement principles
Implement system improvement methods to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality
Conduct capacity planning and optimize product flow to maximize throughput and minimize bottlenecks
Monitor quality metrics and implement controls to reduce defects and customer complaints
Collaborate with Quality Assurance teams to resolve quality issues and implement corrective actions
Participate in root cause analysis and problem-solving activities using Gemba walks and direct observation
Manage resources to optimize equipment, facilities, employees, methods, and materials
Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of production equipment
Monitor equipment performance and coordinate with maintenance on preventive and corrective maintenance
Implement best practices for production efficiency and equipment utilization
Demonstrate the company's core and growth values in the performance of all job functions
Model expected behaviors and hold team accountable to company values and standards
Lead by example through visible, active presence on the manufacturing floor