Operations Manager

Job Details

Position:
Operations Manager

Location:

Cincinnati, Ohio

Job Type: Full Time

Reports to:

Vice President of Manufacturing

Richards Industrials, founded in 1961, is a manufacturer of pressure regulators, control valves, and other fluid control products, known by our customers for high quality products, great customer service, and fast & reliable deliveries. Our products are marketed under a series of distinct brands, each of which is used in unique applications that require precise technical attributes. The company serves a range of end markets, including pharmaceutical, food & beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and various industrial segments.

The company has two locations, Cincinnati OH and Fletcher NC, and a global headcount of 190. Equipped with an experienced, passionate team, Richards focuses on driving profitable growth through operational excellence, opening new channels to market, and investing in new products.

• Empowerment – Employees are our most valuable asset
• Collaboration – Together we achieve more
• Pioneering Spirit – Curiosity and innovation are our driving forces
• Service Mindset – Never stop advocating for the Customer

The Operations Manager role is the pivotal leader responsible for the development, launch, and execution of the Manufacturing Cell translating strategic goals into disciplined, daily operational performance objectives. Duties include managing resources, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring all production activities meet stringent quality standards. The Operations Manager acts as a bridge between strategy and front‑line execution, ensuring all team members are aligned and performing to achieve financial and operational targets.

The Operations Manager is directly responsible for building, mentoring, and developing a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement. This involves spending significant time on the floor, coaching direct reports, establishing communication cadences (like daily management meetings), and acting as the champion for a safe, organized, and standardized work environment. Ultimately, the Operations Manager drives the sustainable competitive advantage of the business by optimizing efficiency and output while cultivating the organizational talent necessary for future growth.

• Executes the annual operating plan (AOP) for the Manufacturing Cell, ensuring the achievement of top‑line revenue targets, customer metrics (lead time, OTD, stock health), and overall financial performance.
• Identifies and implements year‑over‑year productivity projects and initiatives delivering optimal efficiency and improved profitability.
• Creates a work environment where employees are energized, excited and motivated to continuously improve processes, delight our customers and accomplish both individual and team goals and objectives.
• Leads capital investment and site transformation projects required to launch the manufacturing cell as well as owns future state roadmap deployment.
• Directly responsible for achieving the annual operating plan results and the subsequent performance management of all direct reports within the Cell.
• Champions rapid problem solving and accountability.
• Ensures KPIs are realized with emphasis on product safety, quality, delivery, sales, cost, and compliance.
• Establishes and champions area 5S program to ensure organization, standard work, and safety issues are resolved in a timely and systematic manner.
• Makes staffing decisions and manages performance of all team members.
• Builds and owns a daily communication meeting cadence with the team.
• Ensures entire team staff are properly trained, resourced, supplied and managed to attain strategic objectives.
• Responsible for coordinating and scheduling machine and equipment maintenance in addition to completing all preventive and regularly scheduled maintenance.

• 7+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment with a history of leadership roles (ex: Cell Lead) or a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business with 3+ years’ experience.
• Operations focus: proven…