Operations Manager

Responsibilities

• Directs, supervises, and motivates all line supervisory functions, ensuring overall plant morale is conducive to safe and productive operations. 
• Provides the necessary vehicles for communication between production staff and the various members of plant management to ensure a free flow of information for optimum operation, teamwork, knowledge, and enforcement of corporate, divisional, and local policies as described and outlined by the plant manager.
• Responsible for hourly new hire recruiting and administration including new hire training, ensuring new employees are fully trained before working on the floor; administering consistent policies and discipline measures, maintaining documentation on employee performance and accountability to drive performance. 
• Appraises performance of supervisory staff and ensures that all hourly reviews are completed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Assists the Plant Manager in establishing operational objectives and strategies for attaining goals and targets for meeting corporate and divisional safety, quality/service and overall productivity improvements.
• Ensures compliance with workplace safety programs (OSHA etc.) and organizing and cross-training worker teams for maximum production flexibility.
• Implements best manufacturing practices and supports Lean Management practices (5’s, Kaizen, SQDC, Gemba activities).
• Develops production schedules and duty assignments, making strategic decisions as necessary to alter programs when time or budget limitations are reached.
• Assists Maintenance Manager and Team Leaders in the repair and upkeep for all plant equipment to assure minimal disruption to production activities: pellet mill, hammer mill, dryer are some of the key areas. 
• Sets the standard for the manufacture of high-quality production with outstanding responsiveness to customer needs and concerns. 
• Monitors every stage of production, analyzing current methods and developing new ways to save steps, time and materials in order to reduce costs. 
• Initiates and implements programs to control inventory, improve efficiency and increase production to enhance value to the company.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field is preferred. 
• 7+ years of supervisory experience in a production environment, preferably in the wood products industry, with lean six sigma manufacturing experience required. 
• Strong leadership skills and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are essential. 
• Proven track record of hiring, training, and managing staff to meet company objectives. 
• Must be able to prioritize tasks in a 24x7 operations environment and have strong attention to detail. 
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel and other applications related to the job. 

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in outdoor environments and occasionally in temperatures above 100 degrees and below 32 degrees 
• Willing and able to work in a hot, humid, cold and noisy industrial environment 
• Willing and able to maintain strict adherence to safety rules and regulations, to include wearing safety equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Willing and able to perform tasks such as lifting, walking, climbing, stooping, standing, pushing and/or pulling for up to twelve (12) hours a day
• Willing and able to work around moving equipment and machinery
• Willing and able to pull and lift, up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.