Manufacturing Operations Manager

We are partnering with a privately held manufacturing organization that is entering an exciting new chapter through the integration of two well-established consumer product brands. This newly formed business combines complementary product lines, manufacturing capabilities, supplier relationships, and distribution channels to create a scalable platform for significant growth.

This is not a maintenance role—it is a true build-and-scale opportunity. With that, we are looking for someone who will partner directly with executive leadership to integrate operations, optimize manufacturing, increase production capacity, and prepare the organization for substantial growth over the next several years.

For the right individual, this position offers a clear path toward General Manager within approximately 24 months.

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations, production planning, inventory management, and facility performance.
• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and implement Lean Manufacturing principles to improve efficiency, throughput, and quality.
• Develop scalable production systems capable of supporting significant revenue growth.
• Partner with executive leadership during the integration of two manufacturing businesses into a unified operation.
• Improve plant layout, workflow, production scheduling, and material flow.
• Manage supplier relationships, purchasing activities, and inventory strategies.
• Identify capital equipment, tooling, fixtures, and automation opportunities that improve production capacity.
• Work closely with machining and manufacturing partners while evaluating opportunities to bring additional production capabilities in-house.
• Build, coach, and lead a growing manufacturing team through hiring, training, and performance management.
• Implement more robust inventory management and operational reporting systems as the business scales.
• Establish KPIs and accountability measures across manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to improve manufacturability and operational efficiency.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed to evaluate manufacturing capabilities and support strategic initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted operational partner to executive leadership while preparing for broader business leadership responsibilities.

• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Proven experience managing production operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading teams of 30+ employees in a growing operation, preferred.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong background in production planning, inventory control, scheduling, and supplier management.
• Experience scaling manufacturing operations and increasing production capacity.
• Ability to evaluate existing operations and implement practical process improvements.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience in machining, tooling, fixtures, or manufacturing engineering preferred.
• Knowledge of capital equipment planning and manufacturing workflow optimization.
• Experience implementing or upgrading ERP/MRP or inventory management systems is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.