Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Midwest

Salary: $120- $160k base +, depending on experience.

Full Benefits and Relocation if needed

The Operations Manager is the strategic "force multiplier" for the Chief Operating Officer (COO). In a business that integrates high-precision architectural millwork with production, this role functions as the essential bridge between executive vision and cross‑functional execution. You will work directly with each functional area to drive day‑to‑day continuous improvements, close process gaps, and ensure that both quality standards and long‑term strategic initiatives remain on track through rigorous KPI tracking and follow‑up.

• Functional Alignment & KPI Support:
  • Partners with functional leads to identify and execute key improvement actions within their specific Critical Focus Areas (see below).
  • Lead the weekly KPI reporting and review process, ensuring data‑driven accountability across all departments.
  • Conduct regular "deep dives" into functional workflows to troubleshoot inefficiencies and implement sustainable, root‑cause solutions.
• Continuous Improvement & Quality Assurance:
  • Identify and resolve daily cross‑functional "bottlenecks" that impede flow or erode profitability.
  • Champion a culture of Quality by integrating rigorous QC checkpoints and tracking metrics like Work Order (WO) exceptions and redline generation.
  • Monitor production readiness, and communication thereof between all stakeholders (Project management, Shipping, Installation)
• SOP & Process Support:
  • Act as a support lead for department heads to document, refine, and standardize Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Audit "hand‑off" points between siloed teams—specifically ensuring seamless coordination between Engineering, Production, and Logistics.
  • Maintain the central repository for operational processes, ensuring they are accessible and consistently followed.
• Strategic Initiative Leadership & Tracking:
  • Drive progress on long‑term corporate initiatives (e.g., Software evaluations, 3rd party partnerships, facility and equipment upgrades, or product line expansions) through rigorous tracking and follow‑up.
  • Represent the COO at key stakeholder meetings, ensuring the executive’s strategic intent is upheld and that action items are executed by department leads.
  • Develop and maintain high‑level project roadmaps, providing the COO with a "single source of truth" for all non‑project business goals

• Diverse Industry Acumen:
  Deep understanding of the architectural millwork.
• Systems Thinking:
  Ability to see how changes in one functional area impact the entire value chain.
• Influence Without Authority:
  Proven track record of driving results across diverse teams that do not directly report to you.
• Data Literacy:
  Expert at synthesizing operational data into actionable executive summaries; comfortable with job costing and WIP (Work in Progress) reports.
• Experience:
  
  8+ years in Operations Management, Corporate Strategy, or a "Chief of Staff" style role in a complex manufacturing environment.
• Strong financial acumen with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high‑performing teams.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client‑facing skills.
• Ability to travel nationally as required (30%).
• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Results‑driven with strong financial accountability
• Leadership and team development
• Problem‑solving and conflict resolution
• Client relationship management
• Operational excellence and continuous improvement

• Formal
  
  Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Construction Management, or Engineering is required. An MBA or advanced degree in a related field is highly preferred.
• Professional
  
  Experience:
  
  8–10+ years of progressive experience in operations management, corporate strategy, or a "Chief of Staff" style role within a complex manufacturing or construction environment.
• Industry Knowledge: Proven experience in the architectural millwork, specialty interiors, or custom fabrication industry is a significant advantage.
• Technical Literacy: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with ERP systems; familiarity with industry software