Operations Manager

Our client, a global leader in performance materials, partners with Aquent to find exceptional talent. With a rich history spanning over a century, this innovative company has built its reputation on advanced capabilities in materials processing, logistics, and scientific development. They are dedicated to delivering a diverse portfolio of specialized materials that serve a wide range of industrial applications.

Are you ready to take the reins of operational excellence and drive significant impact within a dynamic production environment? We are seeking a visionary leader to guide our hourly workforce, optimize plant operations, and ensure the seamless execution of production goals. This pivotal role is your chance to directly influence efficiency, safety, and quality, shaping the future of our material production processes. In this critical role, you will be the driving force behind daily operations, ensuring that production targets are met with the highest standards of safety and quality. You'll lead and inspire teams, manage resources effectively, and collaborate closely with engineering and maintenance to maintain peak operational performance. Your strategic planning and hands-on leadership will directly contribute to cost control, operational efficiency, and the continuous improvement of our production capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guide, organize, and direct the hourly workforce to consistently achieve and exceed safety, operational, and quality objectives.
• Ensure all stationary and mobile equipment is operated safely and efficiently, adhering to best practices.
• Lead long-term planning initiatives, including project development, process enhancements, budgeting, and operational scheduling.
• Oversee the training, implementation, and rigorous maintenance of quality, safety, environmental, and health programs, including audit activities.
• Strategically plan and schedule production operations in close coordination with maintenance teams to meet evolving sales requirements.
• Contribute to the development and execution of capital and annual budget plans.
• Perform essential administrative duties, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and comprehensive reporting.

Must-Have Qualifications:

Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Process Engineering, coupled with at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a heavy industrial production environment.

OR

A high school diploma or GED with at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in production management.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in common office software suites, particularly spreadsheet and word processing applications.
• Solid background and experience with operations planning software or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, inspiring and guiding teams to success.
• Exceptional ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently and collaborate effectively with diverse personalities to drive continuous improvement.

Physical & Other Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Physical ability to navigate the plant environment, including activities such as climbing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, and lifting approximately 25 pounds.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• An engineering background within a manufacturing setting.
• Prior experience as an Operations Supervisor in a similar industrial field.

This role offers a competitive compensation package, including eligibility for an annual incentive plan of approximately 20%.

About Aquent Talent: Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits! Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive. The target hiring compensation range for this role is 110,000 to $165,000. Compensation is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.