Plant Operations Manager

Pratt Industries•Hebron, KY

About The Position

Serving as the primary link between sales, customer service, and production, the Operations Manager provides the tactical and strategic leadership necessary for a production plant. This role is essential for guaranteeing that manufacturing processes are carried out efficiently and safely while adhering to rigorous quality benchmarks to ensure precise order completion.

Requirements

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or Business Administration is standard. Senior roles often prefer an MBA
Experience: Typically requires 5–10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing, including significant leadership or supervisory roles.
Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau.
Soft Skills: Exceptional problem-solving, decisive decision-making, and the ability to communicate across all levels—from shop floor workers to C-suite executives.

Responsibilities

Production Oversight: Manage daily manufacturing and pre-press operations to meet output targets while balancing labor, material availability, and machine capacity.
Process Optimization: Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen methodologies to identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
Budget & Cost Control: Develop and manage operational budgets, track financial performance metrics, and approve capital expenditure (CapEx) proposals.
Quality & Compliance: Maintain rigorous quality control measures (e.g., ISO 9001 standards) and ensure the facility adheres to OSHA safety regulations and environmental policies.
Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and mentor production staff; conduct performance appraisals and foster a culture of accountability.
Supply Chain & Logistics Management: Direct activities across purchasing, scheduling, and shipping/logistics to optimize inventory flow, production timelines, and on-time delivery of raw materials and finished goods.
Order Fulfillment: Maintain accountability to ensure all customer orders are fulfilled on time and in full (OTIF), addressing potential delays through proactive communication and resource management.
Commercial Strategy & Price Estimating: Provide input on commercial decisions, including local pricing responsibilities and developing accurate price estimates, ensuring decisions align with cost-to-run and plant operational efficiency.