About the Role:
The Operations Manager has the responsibility to manage the operational and fiscal activities of the shop floor operation. Plans and develops systems to improve the operating quality and efficiency of the operation. Leads staff in accordance with company policies and procedures. Coaches and develops his/her staff and associates.
Must be capable of managing a broad range of responsibilities across multiple areas of the operation. This includes making sound decisions related to materials, maintenance, and quality. Strong communication skills are essential for effectively interacting with both internal sales teams and external customers.
Your Responsibilities:
- Responsible for all operational activities within the assigned area or facilities
- Plans and develops systems and procedures to improve the quality and efficiency of the assigned area of responsibility
- Analyzes and documents business processes and problems (continuous improvement). Uses Lean manufacturing principles to develop solutions to reduce or optimize operational cost.
- Supervises staff in accordance with company policies and procedures
- Participates in the hiring and orientation of new staff members
- Establishes internal goals & metrics as well as meeting those provided in the assigned area of responsibility
- Assists in the development of and work within budgets that support the annual operating plan and quarterly forecasts
- Coaches and develops team
- Effectively and professionally communicates with all areas within the company as well as the customer base
- Schedules and conducts department meetings
- Provides all business reporting in a timely manner as required
- Other duties as assigned
Let's Talk About Your Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree: Majors Desired: Business, Business Management or Engineering
- 5-8 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations is required (Experience in the trailer industry a plus)
- Computer proficiency in all Windows based software
- Working understanding of SAP
- Knowledge of quality, logistics systems and inventory management Understand business unit goals and metrics
- Must possess the ability to effectively lead the group through change management
- Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize based on business needs
- Safety conscious, goal oriented, results driven
- Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
- Strong experience in implementing/managing a Lean Manufacturing environment, working knowledge of other industry best practices in process improvement such as Six Sigma and other manufacturing skills and applications
- Possess the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Must have the ability to work and participate effectively in a team environment.
- Conduct yourself professionally in an office environment
Leadership Attributes:
At Wabash, we pride ourselves on being empowering, and there are some things we feel very strongly about:
- Embrace Diversity and Inclusion -- Solicit and respect the input of others, celebrate differences, and strive for transparency and inclusiveness
- Seek to Listen -- Actively listen to reach the best solution and make the strongest decisions
- Always Learn -- Strive to improve; do not quit or settle for the status quo
- Be Authentic -- Demonstrate honesty, incredible energy, and grit in everything you do
- Win Together -- Collaborate, seek alignment, and excel at cross-group communication to success as one team and One Wabash
Join us in turning ideas into world-changing realities. Curate and build your high-impact professional career at Wabash!
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement:
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Business Management, or Engineering
- 5-8 years progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations
- Computer proficiency in Windows-based software
- Working understanding of SAP
- Knowledge of quality systems, logistics systems, and inventory management
- Experience implementing/managing a Lean Manufacturing environment
- Working knowledge of Six Sigma and other process improvement methodologies
- Ability to lead teams through change management
- Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize business needs
- Safety conscious, goal oriented, and results driven
- Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
- Ability to work and participate effectively in a team environment
- Professional conduct in an office environment
Wabash Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Wabash and has not been reviewed or approved by Wabash.
-
Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is positioned as comprehensive, with medical, dental, and vision options plus added programs like digital physical therapy, second-opinion services, and enhanced cancer detection support. Employer cost sharing is emphasized as substantial, and preventive-care support is highlighted as part of the offering.
-
Retirement Support — Retirement support includes a 401(k) with a defined match formula and relatively early eligibility for new hires. The match structure is clearly articulated, supporting predictable retirement accumulation for contributors.
-
Parental & Family Support — Family-oriented benefits include paid family leave for birth/adoption/guardianship and an adoption assistance payment for eligible employees. Tuition assistance is also offered, reinforcing longer-term household and financial stability supports.
Wabash Insights
What We Do
Wabash: Changing How the World Reaches You® Wabash (NYSE: WNC) combines physical and digital technologies to deliver innovative, end-to-end solutions that optimize supply chains across transportation, logistics and infrastructure markets. Headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, Wabash designs, manufactures, and services an extensive range of products supporting first-to-final mile operations, including dry and refrigerated trailers and truck bodies, platform trailers, tank trailers, structural composites and more. In addition, through the Wabash Marketplace and Wabash Parts, customers gain access to a nationwide parts and service network, Trailers as a Service (TaaS)℠, and advanced tools designed to streamline operations and drive growth. By enabling businesses to thrive today and prepare for tomorrow, Wabash is Changing How the World Reaches You®. Wabash recently entered into a joint venture, Wabash Marketplace, with Fernweh Group LLC, an investment firm specializing in the industrial technology sector. This joint venture will accelerate Wabash’s development and growth of an end-to-end digital platform, all while enhancing the overall experience for dealers, customers, and suppliers through the ease, speed, and convenience of a connected partner ecosystem. Initial focus of the Wabash Marketplace will be scaling the Trailers as a Service offering as well as part sales and new services. To learn more about Wabash and its innovative solutions, visit www.onewabash.com.
