Operations Manager Job Description
Job Title: Operations Manager
Reports To: Plant Manager
Location: Bowling Green, OH
Position Summary
The Operations Manager leads all manufacturing related activities in a 24/7 manufacturing environment, ensuring operational excellence, quality compliance, and continuous improvement. This role drives Lean Manufacturing principles, advanced problem-solving, and embodies values Ownership Mindset, Integrity in Action, Communication, One Team, Continual Learning, Acting with Urgency, and Passion for Excellence, to deliver Organizational Excellence
Key Responsibilities
- Champion Lean methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, SMED, Value Stream Mapping).
- Minimize product change overtime through Planning and scheduling.
- Plan, organize, and manage Operation schedules to meet customer demand and delivery timelines.
- Identify waste and inefficiencies in processes and implement cost-saving measures.
- Implement Kaizen Events and conduct LPAs.
- Drive measurable improvements in OEE, scrap reduction, and cycle time.
- Direct and coordinate manufacturing operations across all shifts.
- Foster a culture of Continual Learning & Improvement across all operational areas.
- Direct and coordinate manufacturing operations across all shifts.
- Ensure smooth shift-to-shift communication and standardized work practices.
- Monitor KPIs such as throughput, scrap rate, and on-time delivery.
- Monitor preventive and predictive maintenance programs and ensure spare parts availability.
- Apply TPM principles to maximize uptime and reduce unplanned downtime.
- Apply DFM and DOE principles to improve processes and validate changes.
- Collaborate with overseas R&D for NPI and engineering changes.
- Oversee material movement from receiving to shipping and maintain accurate inventory.
- Maintain inventory between process to process and FGI safety stock.
- Ensure adherence to ISO 9001:2015, EPA, OSHA, and NFPA standards.
- Collaborate with Quality team to implement corrective actions and conduct audits.
- Lead 8D problem-solving for root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Consolidate operational reports and present performance metrics.
- Analyze operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
- Any other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations leadership.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, TPM, DFM, DOE, NPI, and 8D problem-solving.
- Familiarity with ERP systems and regulatory compliance.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills.
- Willingness to work overtime and flexible hours to support 24/7 operations.
Core Competencies & Manufacturing Skills
- Lean Manufacturing & Kaizen
- Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
- Quality Systems & Audits (ISO 9001:2015)
- Regulatory Compliance (EPA, OSHA, NFPA)
- DFM, DOE, NPI
- Advanced Manufacturing Processes (CNC, assembly, automation)
- Process Engineering & PFMEA
- Root Cause Analysis (8D, Fishbone, 5-Why)
- Production Planning & Scheduling
- Inventory Control (Direct & Spare Parts)
- ERP/MRP Systems
- Team Leadership & Development
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations leadership
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, TPM, DFM, DOE, NPI, and 8D problem-solving
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and regulatory compliance (EPA, OSHA, NFPA, ISO 9001:2015)
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
- Willingness to work overtime and flexible hours to support 24/7 operations
What We Do
Vital Chemicals USA LLC is a global leader in materials technology and a leading provider of high-quality chemical solutions in the United States. The company specializes in the production and distribution of specialty chemicals and rare-metals-based materials, employing a 'Source to Solutions' approach. Its capabilities support diverse sectors including semiconductors, energy, automotive, electronics, and optics, with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability.
