Operations Manager

Position Title: Operations Manager

Wage: Based on Experience

Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions has a great opportunity available for an Operations Manager at a company in Liberty, MO. This is a direct hire position. Apply now!

• Manage daily operations for Utility Body Components, including delivery schedules, component builds, assembly lines, paint, and logistic requirements.
• Ensure compliance with OEM specifications, quality standards, and all regulatory requirements.
• Provide strategic direction and daily oversight for all plant operations to include stamping, welding, assembly, paint, material handling, quality, and SOP direction.
• Lead a diverse team of production staff – supervisors, production leads, material support, and quality.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent through coaching, mentoring, performance reviews, and succession planning.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across all shifts.
• Implement lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Drive automation and advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance productivity.
• Collaborate with Quality and Engineering teams to resolve issues and maintain zero-defect standards.
• Drive continuous reduction of defects and rework through effective problem-solving methodologies (5 Why, FMEA, Control plans, etc.).
• Ensure robust quality gates and audit processes are in place throughout the production lines, weld stations, and paint system.
• Champion a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and corporate environmental and safety policies.
• Oversee incident investigations, root-cause analysis, and implementation of preventive measures.
• Lead hazard assessments and ensure proper training and certification for all employees.
• Manage labor allocation, equipment utilization, and material flow to optimize costs.
• Prepare and monitor departmental budgets and cost-saving initiatives.
• Drive Lean initiatives such as Kaizen events, 5S, Standard Work, TPM, and Waste Elimination.
• Support new product launches and ensure smooth integration into production lines.
• Partner with engineering to implement new technologies, equipment upgrades, and process enhancements.
• Lead process improvement efforts to enhance throughput, product quality, and cost competitiveness.

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success managing large manufacturing operations (150+ employees).
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Quality Systems.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with high-volume weld, assembly, and component manufacturing preferred.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, and FMEA processes preferred.
• Ability to manage budgets and analyze operational performance metrics is a plus.