Operations Manager – Plant Production

IPS Corporation•Gardena, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Manager leads and coordinates plant operations, aligning production, quality, safety, and cost objectives. Reporting directly to the Director of Manufacturing Plant Operations, the role drives continuous improvement using Lean methodologies, oversees automation implementation, and promotes data-driven decisions to optimize resources, processes, and results. The position also fosters cross-functional collaboration, talent development, and operational excellence across the plant. The role is based in Gardena, California, and includes leadership of manufacturing personnel and coordination with other departments. The manager oversees production performance, customer delivery, training, safety, quality, and operational improvement activities. The position requires availability for overtime and weekends when needed and includes the physical and environmental demands described in the posting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 10 years of manufacturing leadership experience.
At least 5 years of Lean manufacturing experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
Experience with Value Stream Mapping and demonstrated success leading Kaizen events.
Ability to make data-driven decisions using metrics and analysis to guide improvements.
Hands-on experience implementing and launching automation processes in a manufacturing environment.
Proficiency with CAD software for reviewing layouts, process flows, or equipment designs.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to communicate effectively at various organizational levels.
Ability to work on complex issues and develop resolutions through in-depth evaluation and/or creative problem-solving.
Ability to set and communicate challenging team goals and achieve them through collaborative leadership.
Strong problem-solving and data-analysis skills, with the ability to apply insights to process improvements.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Must be available to work overtime and weekends when needed.
Able to remain stationary throughout assigned working hours.
Frequent reaching, grasping, bending, and stooping.
Able to tolerate odors from raw materials, freshly cured tires, and hot materials.
Frequent pulling and/or pushing up to 20 lbs independently; occasional pushing and/or pulling up to 35 lbs independently; greater weights may be handled with mechanical automation assistance.
Able to frequently perform repetitive motions involving substantial movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Adequate vision to read work instructions, job aids, and guides, and to detect imperfections in raw materials, tooling, and finished products.
Able to work in an environment with limited climate control and varied temperatures.
Able to communicate in a continually noisy environment, including hearing, understanding, and communicating work instructions while wearing company-provided hearing protection.
Able to tolerate frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts, electrical and mechanical equipment, and vibration.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in both English and Spanish is preferred.
Manufacturing leadership experience in the chemical manufacturing industry is preferred.
Lean manufacturing training and/or certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Meet quality, cost, delivery, and people objectives.
Plan, schedule, and organize production personnel workflow.
Monitor product quality and process productivity, implementing continuous-improvement methods to achieve established goals.
Provide general guidance and problem-solving support to assigned areas.
Maintain processes and documentation for personnel training and cross-training.
Lead and oversee assigned team members, including performance management, coaching, career development, and annual performance evaluations.
Lead the manufacturing team to achieve daily cycle-time and on-time-delivery targets.
Maintain product quality and manufacturing yield while ensuring efficient resource use and adherence to safety practices.
Ensure customer orders are completed on time for requested delivery dates.
Monitor metrics and KPIs to assess productivity and cost management.
Ensure continued adherence to Lean manufacturing and 5S + Safety initiatives.
Use JD Edwards EnterpriseOne (E1) to manage and monitor operational, inventory, purchasing, production, and reporting activities.
Assess current practices and drive improvements.
Support and collaborate with other departments as needed.
Lead by example through positive reinforcement.
Coordinate with cross-functional managers on production requirements and work with departments to resolve issues and concerns.
Ensure employee health and safety through compliance with safety policies.
Lead the daily production meeting.
Attend the monthly SIOP meeting and OTD meetings.
Lead and/or participate in Kaizen events.
Perform other duties as assigned.