Operations Manager

Quick Snapshot

Pay: $60,000–$80,000+ annually Based on Experience
Schedule: Full-Time | Monday–Friday | Day Shift
Location: Vanderbilt, MI
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience Level: Experienced / Management
Work Environment: Manufacturing | Operations Leadership | Plant Management
Industry: Manufacturing | Continuous Improvement

Lead Operations. Drive Performance. Build a Stronger Team.

Ambient Recruiting is partnering with a manufacturing company in Vanderbilt to hire an experienced Operations Manager for its fast-paced production facility. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing daily plant operations, driving production efficiency, maintaining quality and safety standards, and leading multiple departments including production, maintenance, quality, and tooling.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives in a team-focused environment and has experience managing plant performance, continuous improvement initiatives, and employee development.

What You'll Be Doing

As an Operations Manager, you'll:

• Oversee daily plant production operations and manufacturing performance
• Supervise production, maintenance, quality, and tool room leadership teams
• Lead and manage non-union employees in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to improve productivity, quality, and safety
• Monitor and manage KPIs including efficiency, waste reduction, labor costs, and asset utilization
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, environmental, and company safety standards
• Support Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Train, mentor, and motivate supervisors and employees to meet performance goals
• Coordinate cross-functional manufacturing activities and support new product implementation
• Maintain performance metrics and provide operational reporting to leadership
• Manage labor budgets and controllable operating costs
• Foster a positive workplace culture through leadership, accountability, and consistent policy enforcement
• Ensure equipment reliability and maintain a safe manufacturing environment

What We're Looking For

Successful candidates typically have:

• 5–10 years of manufacturing experience required
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory or management experience
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
• Experience managing production metrics, budgets, and operational performance
• Strong employee training and development abilities
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, ISO/QS systems, and SPC
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to adapt and make decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, or a related field
• Experience working with non-ferrous alloys
• Experience with plant management or multi-department manufacturing operations
• Experience leading Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience with ISO/QS quality systems and SPC

Benefits May Include

Benefits offered by our client may include:

• Competitive $60,000–$80,000+ annual salary based on experience
• Full-time, Monday–Friday day shift
• Stable leadership position within an established manufacturing environment
• Long-term career growth potential
• Leadership opportunities across multiple manufacturing departments
• Opportunity to lead operational improvement initiatives
• Collaborative, team-focused workplace culture

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Leadership role with direct impact on plant operations and performance
• Opportunity to lead multiple manufacturing departments
• Hands-on involvement in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Opportunity to improve productivity, quality, safety, and efficiency
• Work with a team focused on accountability and operational excellence
• Stable full-time management position
• Opportunity for long-term professional and career growth

Real Talk

This is a hands-on manufacturing leadership role that requires strong decision-making, accountability, and flexibility. The environment is fast-paced and production-driven, and you'll be responsible for balancing operational goals, employee management, safety, quality, and production demands on a daily basis.

Occasional extended hours may be required to meet production needs. You'll spend time directly on the plant floor and should be comfortable working around machinery, noise, and other conditions common to a manufacturing environment.

Success in this role comes from being an effective leader, holding teams accountable, making sound operational decisions, and continuously looking for ways to improve plant performance.