Operations Manager

The Operations Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Florida Manufacturing location (EOFL) — reviewing financial statements and other performance data to measure productivity and goal achievement, and to determine areas needing cost reduction and program improvement. This role sits at the intersection of Manufacturing, Sales, Supply Chain, and Quality, and requires proven, demonstrated experience building trust and alignment across those groups — this is not a developmental role for someone building cross-functional or strategic skills for the first time. The position will collaborate strongly with Sales and Business Lines on opportunities that result in products made in Florida, with the subsequent production planning, and will support the VP of Operations with near and long-term capacity planning.

• Accountable for all operational areas:
• • Staffing and management
  • Employee development, training and conflict resolution
  • Inventory levels, turnaround time and On-Time Delivery
  • Department budgets
  • Equipment and supply purchases
  • Product quality
• Support the VP of Operations, drawing on prior experience in long-range capacity planning, forecasts, and annual plans, and in evaluating and reporting progress on plans and KPI's — candidates should bring a demonstrated record in this area
• Establish and implement factory policies, goals (KPI’s), objectives and procedures
• Collaborate with other factories on scheduling prioritization, best practices and cross-site processes
• Develop leadership and managerial skills of managers/supervisors through active coaching and structured development
• Work with Sales and Business Lines to properly identify customer requirements and capability enhancements, serving as a credible, trusted partner to both functions.
• Lead engagements with key customers regarding high level quality related topics
• Accountable for Continuous Improvement (CI) program within factory and coordinating those initiatives with corporate CI Team
• Accountable for 6S program within factory
• Analyze data and trends using appropriate statistical analysis tools
• Work with Supply Chain in qualifying and auditing suppliers new to EOFL
• Interface with department heads throughout the organization
• Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Effective leadership skills, with proven ability to build trust and alignment across departments in a matrixed manufacturing environment — not reliant on formal authority alone.
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated comfort operating at all levels — shop floor, executive planning, and customer-facing settings.
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience translating operational and financial data into strategic recommendations; candidates should already have this track record rather than be seeking to build it in this role.
• Change-management experience — introducing new processes or systems in ways that earn genuine adoption.
• Knowledge of Military Specifications is desired.
• Working knowledge of Six Sigma, Lean Principles and other statistical analysis Quality Tools.
• Experience in ISO-9001 Certification in a Manufacturing Environment.
• Experience in problem solving and quality improvement processes and teams (e.g., 8D, A3, DMAIC).
• Knowledge of testing and inspection methods/equipment desired.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office applications and experience with statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).
• Experience with ERP/MES systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar) preferred.
• Comfort using data-visualization/reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to communicate KPIs to varied audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety culture and regulatory compliance (OSHA).

Education/Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Optics, Engineering or technical discipline or equivalent experience
• 10+ years technical experience in an Industrial or Manufacturing Environment with preference given to optical coatings of fabrication experience
• Lean 6σ Green Belt certification required within 18 months of employment

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and operate office equipment such as a copier; ability to see details at a close range; ability to sit at desk or PC for long periods of time; ability to travel.

Other Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency is required. This facility manufactures products subject to U.S. export-control regulations (ITAR/EAR), and this role requires access to export-controlled technical data

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Think you meet some of the requirements but not all? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs for which they do not meet every qualification. If you see a role that interests you, we encourage you to apply, regardless of whether or not your experience is completely aligned with the job description. Edmund Optics is committed to becoming the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace within the Optics and Photonics Industry and beyond. You may be a great candidate for this role or others within Edmund Optics.

Compensation Range Transparency:

At Edmund Optics, we are committed to transparency and equity in our hiring practices. The posted salary range for this role reflects the expected base pay. The actual offer will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to relevant skills, education, work experience, business needs, and geographic location.

Salary Range:$120,000 - $140,000 per year

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match up to 3%
• Daycare and Gym Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave and New Mother Benefits
• Training and Development Opportunities

Availability of these benefits may depend on the country and employment type.