Senior Manager, Operations

JBT Marel • Sabetha, KS

5d

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Operations leads manufacturing operations in support of the Company’s objectives. The role develops and executes business plans, operating policies, budgets, and strategic initiatives; establishes and monitors short- and long-term operational and financial goals; and measures results through meaningful KPIs and budget, productivity, quality, and cost targets. It promotes a people-centered, safety-first culture, mitigates operational risks, and drives sustained productivity and quality improvements through Lean practices and continuous improvement methods.

The position reviews manufacturing activities and performance, supports corrective actions, develops managers and leaders, and works with Human Resources on employee training plans. It also supports appropriate staffing and compensation recommendations, standardizes policies and practices across locations, and may contribute to acquisitions, mergers, facility expansions, or greenfield projects. Domestic and international travel is required, and the work takes place in a manufacturing environment with exposure to loud noises and moving machinery.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing Management, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including plant management, operations management, continuous improvement, or related manufacturing leadership roles.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement disciplines.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Proficiency in problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Knowledge of OSHA compliance.
• Demonstrated success improving safety, quality, productivity, delivery performance, and cost management.
• Knowledge of ERP and/or MRP systems.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to execute agreed tasks and meet deadlines against performance criteria (KPIs).
• Results-oriented, with the ability to follow through and respect deadlines.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Suite and other programs as needed.
• Proactive and organized.
• Ability to manage confidential information.
• Domestic and international travel required.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example and adhere to or enforce Wenger operating policies and practices.
• Promote a safety-first culture and develop and sustain safety best practices focused on accident prevention.
• Assess current and future manufacturing needs, trends, problems, and conditions that could threaten employee safety, the supply chain, productivity, quality, or profitability.
• Lead the development and execution of business plans, operating policies, budgets, and strategic initiatives aligned with Company objectives.
• Establish and monitor short- and long-term operational and financial goals aligned with Business Plan Objectives, using KPIs and targets for budget, productivity, quality, and cost performance.
• Drive productivity improvements through regular Kaizen activities and sustained Lean practices.
• Support Quality Assurance and Zero Defects initiatives through KPI-driven objectives and corrective action methods such as 5 Why Analysis, Fishbone Diagrams, and A3 Problem Solving.
• Ensure approved policies and objectives are clearly understood and effectively applied.
• Review and appraise manufacturing activities and performance results, recommending and supporting corrective actions as needed.
• Review and evaluate contracts, appropriations, and expenditure requests.
• Develop and train managers and leaders and review their performance.
• Work with Human Resources to develop training plans that enhance employee performance.
• Recommend compensation changes for key personnel in accordance with Company policy and help ensure organizational structures are appropriately staffed.
• Support acquisition, merger, facility expansion, or greenfield projects as needed, including evaluation and use of physical assets and facilities.
• Standardize policies, procedures, training, and implementation practices across locations.
• Communicate regularly with individuals and departments throughout the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on business needs.

What This Job Offers

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