Manufacturing Operations Manager – 3-Shift Production

Manufacturing Operations Manager – Knoxville, TN

Join a respected manufacturer in the Knoxville area as a Manufacturing Operations Manager overseeing a dynamic three-shift production facility. This role offers the chance to lead on the floor, develop teams, and drive improvements in safety, quality, and overall plant performance within an established organization focused on growth and operational excellence.

Manufacturing Operations Manager Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive base salary of $90,000–$105,000 plus performance-based bonus
• Full-time, on-site leadership role supporting a three-shift operation
• Opportunity to contribute to continued growth and process improvement in a stable manufacturing environment

Manufacturing Operations Manager Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of manufacturing or production operations experience, including 5+ years in leadership roles such as Plant Manager, Operations Manager, or Production Manager
• Strong knowledge of production planning, scheduling, quality control, throughput, scrap, rework, and operational KPIs
• Proven success managing high-volume production environments
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting abilities to translate production data into actionable insights
• Comfortable maintaining a visible presence on the manufacturing floor
• Effective communication skills to set realistic production targets and align with leadership
• Demonstrated ability to manage diverse teams, set expectations, and enforce accountability
• Independent and action-oriented leadership style with a willingness to engage directly as needed

Manufacturing Operations Manager Preferred Background & Skills

• Experience in high-volume industries such as rubber or tire products, automotive components, marine manufacturing, or similar sectors
• Familiarity with rubber-based materials and related quality standards is advantageous
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence methodologies

Manufacturing Operations Manager Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations across all three shifts, maintaining strong visibility on the production floor
• Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of manufacturing equipment and processes
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators, including first-pass yield, scrap rates, equipment downtime, output, and labor productivity
• Analyze operational data to identify production issues, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions
• Evaluate plant capacity and set achievable production and performance goals
• Coach supervisors and employees to build ownership of performance and outcomes
• Collaborate with quality, maintenance, supply chain, and leadership teams to meet production and customer targets
• Support development of structured processes, systems, and operating discipline in alignment with corporate goals