Operations Manager

Summary
The Operations Manager is responsible for leading day‑to‑day manufacturing operations within a ballistic and hard armor production facility. This role is accountable for effective Operating Model deployment, finished goods quality, and on‑time delivery. The Operations Manager partners with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and EHS to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations while driving continuous improvement and team accountability.

Key Responsibilities

Lead daily production execution across assigned lines, cells, or value streams.
Own performance to the production plan, including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity targets.
Provide direct leadership, coaching, and development to Production Supervisors.
Ensure consistent deployment of the Operating Model, including standard work, visual management, tiered daily meetings, and structured problem‑solving.
Partner with Quality to investigate non‑conformances and drive root cause corrective actions.
Maintain compliance with applicable customer requirements, industry standards (e.g., NIJ or equivalent), and internal quality systems.
Promote and sustain a strong safety culture through visible leadership, audits, and corrective actions.
Ensure on‑time delivery through effective scheduling, labor planning, and capacity management.
Identify and manage constraints, bottlenecks, and material availability risks.
Collaborate with Supply Chain and Engineering to resolve shortages, changes, and production disruptions.
Use metrics and data to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead Kaizen events and improvement projects focused on throughput, quality, labor efficiency, and waste reduction.
Set performance expectations and hold team accountable for results.
Partner with HR on hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee relations.
Foster collaboration, accountability, and clear communication across production teams and functional partners.
All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or related field, or equivalent experience.
5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, including direct leadership of supervisors.
Demonstrated experience improving on‑time delivery and finished goods quality.
Strong working knowledge of Operating Model / Lean manufacturing principles.
Proven problem‑solving and decision‑making skills in a production environment.
Experience in ballistic armor, , composites, defense, aerospace, or similarly regulated manufacturing preferred.
Experience working in environments with strict quality, traceability, and customer compliance requirements.

Key Competencies

Results‑driven and execution‑focused
Strong people leadership and coaching skills
Clear, direct communicator
Comfort operating in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments
Continuous improvement mindset

Physical & Work Environment

Regular presence on the manufacturing floor.
Ability to work around industrial equipment, materials, and PPE requirements.
Occasional extended hours or off‑shift support based on production needs.