Senior Manager, Operations Engineering

Full-time

Location:
In-person, Lawrence, MA

The Senior Manager, Operations Engineering leads Bigbelly’s core engineering operations — encompassing supplier engineering, operations quality, and production/manufacturing engineering. This role ensures Bigbelly’s smart, solar-powered waste and recycling systems are built with world-class quality, efficiency, and scalability. The Senior Manager will drive operational excellence across the U.S. manufacturing operation and supplier network while enabling new product introductions and supporting global growth.

• Oversee the supplier engineering team responsible for vendor qualification, performance, and improvement initiatives.
• Manage supplier development programs to enhance quality, delivery, and cost for key mechanical, electrical, and solar component vendors.
• Conduct supplier audits and technical reviews, lead corrective actions and continuous improvement efforts.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Procurement to align vendor capabilities with Bigbelly’s product roadmap and growth plans.
• Support dual-sourcing and supplier diversification strategies to reduce risk and strengthen supply chain resilience.

• Lead the implementation of quality systems, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and suppliers.
• Oversee ISO and other regulatory system implementations and upkeep.
• Oversee root-cause analysis and CAPA programs for production and field issues.
• Collaborate with the Design and NPI teams to ensure new products meet manufacturability and reliability requirements.
• Track and report on key quality metrics (first-pass yield, supplier defect rate, field failure rate, warranty claims).
• Drive reliability testing and design-for-manufacturing/quality practices.

• Manage the production engineering team responsible for assembly line design, process optimisation, and tooling/fixture development.
• Lead continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives to increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve ergonomics and safety.
• Partner with Manufacturing to troubleshoot production issues, optimise build processes, and support on-time delivery targets.
• Support the launch of new products and technologies into full production at the Methuen facility, ensuring readiness for scaling.

• Build and mentor a high-performing, cross-functional engineering team covering quality, production, and supplier engineering.
• Translate strategic objectives into tactical plans that improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Supply Chain, and Operations to achieve corporate performance goals.
• Manage department budgets, staffing plans, and capital improvement projects.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and sustainability aligned with Bigbelly’s mission.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 20+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations engineering, including 3–5 years in leadership roles.
• Experience managing vendor/supplier engineering, quality systems, and production process improvement.
• Proven ability to lead teams in a mixed electromechanical production environment (solar systems, electronics, IoT products, or similar).
• Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong data-driven decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical and business teams.

ERP/MRP experience and familiarity with ISO 9001 or comparable quality standards preferred