Operations Manager

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Operations Manager – Packaging Manufacturing

Gary, IN (near Lake Michigan – safe and accessible area)

Full-Time | Mon–Fri + one Saturday shift per month | ~50 hours/week

About the Role:

Kelly has teamed up with Signode to find a hands-on, results-driven Operations Manager to lead production at our largest honeycomb packaging facility in the U.S.—serving a high-volume customer base with innovative, corrugated packaging solutions.

You’ll oversee a team of production supervisors across two shifts (75 on first, 25 on second), with direct leadership of three leads on first shift and one on second. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in manufacturing operations, is passionate about continuous improvement, and thrives in a laid-back but high-performing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead daily operations, coach supervisors, and ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality production.
• Drive performance improvement using lean principles and tools (Six Sigma, PDCA, KPI tracking).
• Ensure floor presence (50%+ on the floor), engaging with teams on quality, safety, and process optimization.
• Own production goals, safety initiatives, and customer complaint follow-up.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Quality, and Safety teams to support associate-centric culture.
• Monitor inventory, track results, and remove production bottlenecks using tools like Power BI and MRP.
• Flex hours occasionally to provide second-shift support or coverage if needed.

What We’re Looking For:

• 5+ years of manufacturing operations leadership, ideally in packaging, paper converting, printing, or laminating.
• Proven people leader with a balance of big-picture thinking (60%) and daily execution (40%).
• Industrial Engineering or similar background with a strong focus on systems optimization.
• Comfortable working in a non-union, industrial environment (not climate-controlled).
• Self-motivated, calm under pressure, safety- and results-driven leader who can “own” their role.
• Bilingual (Spanish) is a strong plus due to the workforce demographics.

Tools & Tech:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Advanced Excel), Power BI, Teams, Share Point

Why Join Us?

• Work with a collaborative, people-first team where everyone is viewed as an asset.
• Be part of a facility that produces over 2 million pounds of paper a month—contributing to 38% of the company’s total revenue.
• Excellent exposure to company leadership, with clear development opportunities.
• Full benefits (health, dental, vision, 401k, PTO, wellness) starting the month after hire.

• Seniority level Director

• Employment type
  
  Full-time

• Job function
  
  Management and Product Management
• Industries Packaging and Containers Manufacturing and Operations Consulting

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Kelly by 2x

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid paternity leave

Paid maternity leave

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