Operations Manager

Thermon•Franklin Park, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Manager leads manufacturing operations at Vapor Power International in Franklin Park, Illinois, and reports to the General Manager & Director, VPI. The role is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for helping meet organizational budgets and manufacturing project schedule targets. It oversees an organization of more than 30 employees across Production, Planning, Warehouse, Purchasing, Automation Engineering, Engineering, and Design. The position manages daily operations, production, engineering design, and automation engineering while maintaining a safe and organized environment and ensuring quality, efficiency, and timely delivery. It drives process and inventory improvements, manages production planning and capacity, maintains operating procedures and performance indicators, and supports employee hiring, training, scheduling, evaluations, and discipline processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; a degree in business administration or a relevant technical field is preferred.
At least 5 years of manufacturing management experience, preferably in a team-based environment.
Experience managing personnel and participating in hiring and disciplinary decisions.
Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles.
Ability to lead cross-functional process improvement teams.
Ability to use production software applications.
Ability to work effectively with minimal direct supervision and be self-directed.
Skills in planning, estimating, and reporting.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and focus on quality.
Knowledge of product manufacturing sequences and capabilities.
Ability to work with a diverse workforce and demonstrate the value of teamwork.
Ability to meet the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong time-management skills and a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting up to 50 pounds, navigating the facility and manufacturing areas, and standing, bending, crawling, stretching, lying down, and squatting to maintain equipment.
Wear steel-toe shoes, earplugs, and safety glasses on the production floor.

Nice To Haves

Comprehension of root cause analysis techniques.
Understanding of preventive maintenance and OEE.
Ability to read, interpret, and improve product designs.

Responsibilities

Manage daily operations, production, engineering design, and automation engineering personnel while maintaining a safe, organized environment and producing quality products efficiently and on schedule.
Manage supervisors, leads, and professional employees, with responsibility for safety, performance, and attendance.
Develop process technology for manufacturing existing products and implement new product designs into production.
Monitor backlog and ensure production and planning activities are completed in a timely manner.
Establish production schedules to support optimal efficiency.
Follow company procedures and manufacturing specifications, and ensure personnel do the same.
Optimize process flow to maximize throughput and productivity.
Improve inventory management and drive continuous improvement.
Develop, manage, and improve key performance indicators.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures to support quality, safety, and efficiency.
Recommend and implement procedure improvements and changes within product lines.
Monitor capacity, ensure adequate staffing, and consult with management to maintain a balanced workforce.
Monitor inventory and direct corrections in the ERP system to maintain accurate data.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
Monitor production variances and determine root causes.
Participate in recruiting, hiring, and training manufacturing employees.
Participate in division scheduling and work assignments.
Conduct timely, constructive performance evaluations.
Participate in discipline and termination recommendations in accordance with company policy.
Perform other duties as assigned based on workload and business needs.