Factory Operations Manager

Overview

Our client is a well-established, family-owned manufacturing business with a 78-year legacy of producing custom foam products. They are looking for an experienced production leader to take ownership of their facility in Sylacauga, Alabama. The right person will be energized by lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and developing strong, accountable teams. Cultural alignment is essential—this is a hands-on, collaborative environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate humility, a strong drive to achieve results, and high interpersonal intelligence.

Individuals who strongly prefer highly corporate settings, or who are uncomfortable with practical, engaged leadership, may not find this role to be the right fit.

• Champion lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methods, leading continuous improvement to reduce waste, strengthen quality, and increase efficiency.
• Maintain a safe, compliant workplace by enforcing health & safety standards, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing team through hiring, training, coaching, performance management, and ongoing development—creating a culture of accountability, teamwork, and growth.
• Implement and oversee new manufacturing initiatives, including process optimisation, strategic resource allocation, and adherence to best manufacturing practices.
• Conduct regular time studies and reviews of production methods to uncover opportunities for improved efficiency and cost reduction.
• Lead and manage end-to-end manufacturing operations, including warehousing, production, housekeeping, quality assurance, finished goods, and distribution.
• Control product flow from receiving through storage to distribution, maintaining optimal inventory levels through just-in-time principles and effective production planning.
• Prepare and deliver operational reporting by gathering, analysing, and summarising KPI and production performance data.

• Relevant qualifications in manufacturing, operations management, industrial engineering, or a related field.
• Strong working knowledge of lean manufacturing practices (including Kaizen) with the ability to apply them to deliver measurable improvements.
• Demonstrated experience managing manufacturing operations, including proven leadership of production teams.

• Solid understanding of financial management, budgeting, and cost-control principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address operational challenges and protect productivity targets.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and strong general computer skills.
• Demonstrated capability in scheduling, managing operational complexity, and resolving conflict effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate at all organisational levels, adapt communication style to different situations, and show empathy and emotional intelligence.
• Reasonable physical fitness to meet the demands of an active manufacturing environment.

• Hungry: Willing to go beyond what is required, takes ownership for team success, believes in the mission, and looks for ways to contribute outside core responsibilities.
• Humble: Recognises others, steps in regardless of level, acknowledges mistakes, and shares credit generously.

• Background in quality management systems (ISO, etc.).
• Experience managing multi-shift operations.
• Experience in custom manufacturing or within the foam products industry.

Base Salary: $80,000 - $110,000 per annum (commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Employment Type: Full-time, First Shift

• Health insurance (medical coverage)
• Paid holiday leave
• Paid vacation time
• Company-matched 401(k) retirement plan

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex,…