Sr. Operations Manager

Kohler Co. • Huntsville, AL

2d • $145,350 - $228,450 • Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Operations Manager plans and directs manufacturing production activities at Kohler’s Huntsville plant. The role communicates and recommends changes to objectives, policies, and procedures, and keeps plant management informed through regular reports on production results, labor availability, and changing operating requirements. It drives continuous improvement in production and labor utilization so products are manufactured cost-effectively and delivered to meet customer demand. Work is carried out in support of plant safety, quality, delivery, and cost metrics.

Requirements

• At least 20 years of manufacturing management experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Strong technical knowledge.
• Demonstrated proficiency in continuous-improvement tools and lean manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success in leadership positions requiring achievement of goals and objectives through subordinates and peers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or Business, or an MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop operating strategies for Huntsville that advance the plant toward a world-class operation.
• Direct manufacturing operations and enforce safety rules and procedures.
• Maintain and support safety improvement programs and ensure compliance with governmental standards.
• Ensure associates receive appropriate safety training and communication.
• Ensure products meet or exceed established quality standards.
• Participate in finished-unit audits to assess and improve outgoing product quality.
• Ensure associates are trained in established quality standards.
• Respond to reported field quality problems when appropriate.
• Drive 100% schedule adherence across manufacturing areas.
• Improve plant efficiency and labor and materials utilization through Kohler Operating System principles.
• Identify associate training needs and facilitate or participate in Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen projects.
• Implement and maintain standardized work across all areas.
• Partner with or direct engineering on design enhancements and manufacturing process improvements.
• Work with R&D personnel to set up and conduct process-improvement trials.
• Ensure all cost centers meet or exceed their budgets.
• Provide leadership, direction, and support to manufacturing staff to help achieve plant goals.
• Plan and implement staffing adjustments to maintain labor efficiency and schedule-adherence goals.
• Support labor relations by instructing and counseling subordinates on contract interpretation, grievance handling, and effective labor relations.
• Manage all Step II grievances within manufacturing and work with plant and division personnel to resolve grievances.
• Identify and provide formal, coaching, and on-the-job training opportunities to improve productivity, job performance, personal growth, and plant effectiveness.
• Evaluate training effectiveness using knowledge gained, quality feedback, warranty rating, and customer satisfaction.

Benefits

• Applicable benefit programs are available from the first day of employment, with no waiting period.
• Competitive total rewards package supporting health and wellbeing.
• Access to career growth and development opportunities.
• Performance bonus or variable incentive compensation.

What This Job Offers

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