Operations Manager - NC

Operations Manager - Metals Industry

Location: Salisbury, NC 28144
Position Type: Direct Hire, Full-Time
Shift: 1st Shift (Supporting a 24/7 operation; utilizing two 12-hour shifts)
Salary Range: $111,500 - $167,300 / year + 2.5% Quarterly Cash Bonus
Reports To: General Manager
Supervisory Responsibility: ~25 direct reports (4 salaried, 20+ hourly)
Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Operations Manager to take full P&L ownership of our manufacturing facility in Salisbury, NC. In this role, you will run the shop as your own business, overseeing all aspects of our melting operations, production poundage, shipments, equipment repairs, staffing, and financial performance.
The ideal candidate brings a strong background in metallurgical or mechanical engineering, hands-on leadership experience in a mill/melting environment, and a passion for fostering a zero-defect quality and safety-first culture.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Operational & P&L Leadership: Manage all aspects of the facility's finances, including variable/fixed costs, raw materials, SG&A, capital planning, and full P&L accountability to achieve operational and budget goals.
• Production & Scheduling: Oversee production planning, melting schedules, and poundage outputs to maximize efficiency, improve yield, and balance strict customer demand requirements.
• Team Management: Build, lead, and mentor a multifunctional manufacturing team of approximately 25 direct reports (including 4 salaried and 20 hourly employees). Manage staffing levels to meet current and projected business forecasts.
• Safety & Quality Culture: Lead the organization to a sustaining safety culture and maintain a zero-defect quality system.
• Continuous Improvement: Evaluate and improve manufacturing systems (plasma cold hearth and raw material support), utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen techniques to optimize production rates, reduce costs, and improve changeovers.
• Maintenance & Equipment: Coordinate manufacturing equipment preventative maintenance, fabrication, and repair to ensure reliable and safe system operations.

Core Competencies

• Champions Change: Actively promotes and seeks continuous improvements that move the business forward.
• Effective Decision Making: Skilled at analyzing both the technical and human aspects of a problem to make sound decisions in conditions of uncertainty.
• Delivers Results: Action-oriented leader who sets clear goals, anticipates roadblocks, and ensures the team meets strict deadlines and targets.
• Communication & Coaching: Maintains positive relationships and communicates effectively at all levels of the organization, from shop-floor hourly employees to external vendors and customers.

Position Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline is required. A Master's in Business Management (MBA) is preferred.
• Experience: * Minimum of 2+ years of direct leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
  • 7+ years of overall engineering and manufacturing experience, ideally within the metals, melting, or mill industries.
• Technical Skills: Strong background in Lean Manufacturing techniques, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Process Improvement, and production scheduling. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is highly preferred.
• Operational Flexibility: Must be able to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation running two 12-hour shifts.
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 25% as required.
• Compliance: Proof of US citizenship, nationality, and/or permanent resident status is required to comply with applicable export and import laws and regulations.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Setting: Primarily a standard office setting, with regular time spent on the production floor overseeing melting systems and operations.
• Physical Activity: Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and talk/hear. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Environment: Production area exposure includes moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and moderate to high noise levels.

Please note that there is a background check and a drug screening for the position.