Operations Manager

Viant • Wheeling, IL

10d • $125,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The Operations Manager leads all manufacturing operations at Viant’s Wheeling facility, which specializes in precision machining of metal components for medical device manufacturing. The role operates within a regulated medical device environment and is responsible for meeting safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives while ensuring compliance with FDA, ISO 13485, and company quality standards. The manager drives strategic initiatives and continuous improvement, promotes a strong safety culture, and provides servant leadership to develop high-performing teams aligned with company goals.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of manufacturing leadership experience in a regulated environment.
• Proven experience as an Operations Manager or in a similar role.
• Demonstrated experience in team leadership and training.
• Experience in capacity planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to optimize production efficiency.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with FDA and ISO 13485 requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Ability to manage automation processes or work with advanced machining technologies.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including data-driven decision-making.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Medical device or pharmaceutical experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• ERP experience; Oracle is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Ensure schedule attainment and optimize labor and equipment utilization to maximize throughput.
• Measure machine efficiency and production performance accurately.
• Ensure adherence to FDA, ISO 13485, and company quality standards.
• Partner with Quality and Engineering to implement process controls, reduce non-conformances, and improve product quality.
• Support audits and maintain documentation required for regulatory compliance.
• Collect, analyze, and act on operational data to improve KPIs and support business goals.
• Implement Lean and OpEx tools to reduce downtime, improve machine utilization, and optimize labor.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives and eliminate process redundancies.
• Champion a strong safety culture, lead JHA processes, and implement corrective actions.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks to ensure a safe work environment.
• Collaborate with the production planning group to align production schedules and material requirements.
• Support new product introductions from concept through full-scale production, ensuring smooth transitions.
• Mentor and develop production supervisors and leads.
• Facilitate ongoing training programs to enhance team skills and engagement.
• Uphold company policies and standards.
• Participate in strategic projects and initiatives supporting Viant’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits effective on the date of hire.
• Company-paid life insurance and disability benefits.
• Generous paid time off and 10 paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Voluntary Universal Life and Long-Term Care.
• Voluntary Legal Plan.
• Pet insurance.
• Home Ownership Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager