Sr. Manager Operations

AESC • Columbia, SC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Operations Manager provides comprehensive leadership of manufacturing operations, driving safe, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective production. The role integrates production execution with workforce planning, material flow, equipment availability, quality performance, and operational readiness. The successful candidate must understand plant operations broadly and lead across functions, rather than focus solely on production management.

The position is based at AESC's Blythewood Repack Operation, which supports the broader South Carolina production network. The work takes place primarily in a semi-automated or automated plant with a concrete floor, climate control, moderate noise, and forklift traffic. The role requires working as appropriate on the plant floor and in meetings, and with employees, management, customers, and suppliers. International travel is required 20% of the time.

Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of a drug screen and background check, and verification of eligibility to work in the United States.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related discipline, or equivalent substantial manufacturing leadership experience.
• At least 10 years of progressive manufacturing experience, including five years in plant operations leadership.
• Demonstrated accountability for manufacturing performance, staffing, safety, cost, and cross-functional execution.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems, Lean manufacturing, and operational performance management.
• Ability to stand, walk, and work on a concrete production floor for extended periods.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and hear; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day.
• Ability to wear all required PPE when working on the production floor.
• Ability to occasionally lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 35 pounds.
• Must complete a drug screen and background check and verify eligibility to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Automotive OEM or Tier 1 experience.
• Battery manufacturing experience.
• High-volume automated manufacturing experience.
• Plant launch or greenfield ramp-up experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily manufacturing operations across assigned shifts and production areas.
• Establish and execute production plans that align labor, equipment, materials, and customer delivery requirements.
• Manage operational KPIs including throughput, OEE, labor productivity, downtime, scrap, cost, and on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering to ensure equipment availability, preventive maintenance execution, and effective downtime response.
• Partner with Quality to manage manufacturing defects, process compliance, containment, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Logistics to maintain effective material flow, inventory accuracy, and production readiness.
• Lead production supervisors and team leaders, establishing clear expectations for attendance, timekeeping, staffing, overtime controls, and employee performance.
• Manage operating expenses, labor utilization, and production resource requirements.
• Promote a disciplined safety culture with EHS and enforce manufacturing operating standards.
• Support commissioning, production ramp-up, process stabilization, and future plant expansion.
• Develop staffing, succession, and workforce capability plans.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation package including a competitive salary and a rewarding bonus program.
• Inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters professional and personal development.
• Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-controlled production environment.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Company-paid life insurance and additional voluntary life insurance.
• Paid vacation and 14 paid holidays.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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