Operations Manager

Sanders Industries Holdings•Lenexa, KS

20d

About The Position

AkroFire is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee daily operations, improve operational performance, and lead continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment. The role is responsible for efficient, cost-effective operations while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and compliance. The Operations Manager will develop teams, improve processes, manage resources, and execute strategic initiatives. AkroFire provides high-temperature insulation, fire protection, and thermal barrier solutions for aerospace and industrial customers. Its products support safety, performance, and compliance in mission-critical environments. The company’s portfolio includes elastomeric seals, gaskets, tooling, hoses, ablatives, survivability tiles, coatings and tapes, EMI and thermal shielding, electrically conductive metalized fabrics, and encapsulated O-rings. Employees work in a dynamic, quality-driven manufacturing environment where craftsmanship, innovation, and continuous improvement are central. The role includes operational strategy and oversight; leadership and development of production, quality control, and salaried staff; performance measurement and process improvement; budget and resource management; and quality, compliance, and risk management. Employment requires access to ITAR-controlled information, so applicants must meet the ITAR definition of a U.S. person. Employment is contingent on meeting this requirement.

Requirements

At least 5 years of people or project management experience.
Project management experience, including managing multiple projects, priorities, and competing deadlines.
Demonstrated experience developing and monitoring KPIs, operational reports, and performance improvement plans.
Strong understanding of business processes, resource planning, and operational controls.
Experience leading teams, managing budgets, and driving operational improvements.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to influence stakeholders, lead organizational change, and execute operational strategies.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage competing business needs.
Ability to travel as needed.
Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), such as a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, because the position requires access to ITAR-controlled information.

Nice To Haves

Previous management experience at AkroFire, preferably at least 1 year.
Knowledge of AkroFire products, manufacturing processes, and operations.
Experience with Epicor ERP systems.
Experience in a lean manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of AS9100D quality management standards.
Experience in facilities management, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Strong electrical and mechanical aptitude.
Demonstrated experience leading cultural change and organizational transformation.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations to support efficiency, consistency, and cost-effective performance.
Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company goals and objectives.
Establish and maintain operational policies, procedures, and performance standards.
Identify operational risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
Lead cross-functional initiatives and communicate priorities, policies, action items, and operational updates through tiered meetings and presentations.
Lead, coach, and develop production technicians, quality control technicians, and salaried direct reports.
Set performance expectations, goals, and accountability measures; support workforce planning, staffing, succession planning, and employee development.
Foster collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement; conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching and feedback.
Address operational challenges and employee concerns professionally and in a timely manner.
Communicate with employees at all organizational levels and build relationships with customers, business leaders, and key stakeholders.
Lead cultural change and organizational transformation initiatives, and support individual development plans for direct reports.
Establish, monitor, and improve KPIs and operational metrics.
Analyze data from ERP, timekeeping, quality, and other systems to identify trends and support decision-making.
Lead continuous improvement to reduce scrap, rework, traceability issues, and takt time while increasing production output.
Use process mapping and engineered solutions to improve operational efficiency.
Evaluate equipment, systems, and processes and recommend capital expenditures when appropriate.
Drive measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and overall operational performance.
Develop and manage operational budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditure requirements.
Monitor expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality, and analyze financial and operational performance against established standards.
Allocate resources to support business priorities and partner with cross-functional teams to improve profitability, reduce variances, and shorten cycle times.
Ensure compliance with applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, and industry requirements.
Identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks; conduct operational reviews, audits, and performance assessments.
Implement corrective actions and mistake-proofing solutions to prevent recurring issues.
Promote a safe, compliant, and productive manufacturing environment.