Operations Manager

Plymold is a 100% Employee-Owned Company. We specialize in metal frame furniture and fixtures for demanding environments.

We value caring relationships. We forge caring relationships with each other, with our business partners, and the communities we work in.

We are dedicated to delivering on the commitments we make to each other, our customers, and our partners.

We ingeniously solve problems by developing creative solutions to business and manufacturing challenges.

We require quality in everything we do. Quality means performing to agreed-upon specifications each and every time.

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading daily manufacturing operations to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are achieved. This role drives operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing, employee engagement, and cross-functional collaboration.

Salary Range: $80,000 – $95,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

In addition to base compensation, Plymold offers:

• Employee ownership through our ESOP
• Paid time off

• Lead manufacturing operations in collaboration with Engineering, Supply Chain, Scheduling, and Team Leads.
• Coordinate plant activities to ensure production objectives are achieved in a timely and cost‑effective manner.
• Establish and communicate work order priorities through the ERP system.
• Develop and manage production and finish goods stocking plans.
• Monitor labor utilization and staffing effectiveness to identify shop floor constraints.
• Forecast staffing requirements based on order backlog and sales forecast.
• Partner with Maintenance to proactively address machinery, tooling and building infrastructure needs.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce cost or gain new capability through capital investment opportunities.
• Implement solutions that reduce lead time and improve quality and profitability.
• Maintain a safe plant in compliance with OSHA and MN regulations.
• Partner with Engineering and Supply Chain to resolve production issues.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement.
• Review and improve standard work.
• Drive waste reduction and efficiency improvements.
• Support safety, quality, delivery, and cost initiatives.
• Coach and develop Team Leads.
• Ensure consistent administration of policies and procedures.
• Partner with HR on employee relations and development.
• Provide performance feedback and evaluations.
• Support cross‑training and workforce development.
• Participate in hiring and onboarding.
• Foster an employee‑ownership culture aligned with Plymold core values.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting to 50 pounds.
• Full use of arms and hands for operational activities.
• Ability to communicate and maintain safety awareness.

Work is performed in both office and manufacturing settings with exposure to dust, noise, temperature fluctuations, and equipment. Required PPE must be worn on the production floor.

Bachelor’s degree in operations, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 5+ years Lean Manufacturing experience required.
• 5+ years leadership experience required in manufacturing.

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations and material flow.
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• ERP system experience in a job-shop/make-to-order environment required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.
• Must reside within reasonable distance of assigned location.

Travel:
Infrequent travel to satellite facilities, vendor locations, customer sites, and industry trade shows may be required.