Operations (Manufacturing) Manager - Site Leader

Judge Direct Placement is working with a rapidly growing manufacturer entering a pivotal chapter: the acquisition of a brand-new facility. We are seeking an ambitious Operations Leader who wants to do more than just manage a site—they want to help create it.

You will join them during the facility purchase stage, serving as a stakeholder in the setup, equipment layout, and team building. Once the facility is live, you will transition into the permanent Site Leader, owning the full operational lifecycle of the plant. No prior startup experience is required, but a "builder’s mindset" and a desire to own the entire process are essential.

Phase 1: The Build-Out & Strategy (Initial Phase)

• Purchasing & Integration: Participate in the final facility walkthroughs and due diligence to ensure the building meets future operational needs.

• Facility Layout: Work with leadership to design the floor plan, optimize material flow, and oversee the installation of new machinery.

• Standard Setting: Develop the "playbook" for the new site—establishing safety protocols, shifts, and operational SOPs from scratch.

• Talent Acquisition: Identify and hire your foundational team, setting the culture for the facility from day one.

Phase 2: Site Leadership (Ongoing Operations)

• Production Oversight: Lead daily manufacturing operations to meet volume, quality, and delivery targets.

• P&L Ownership: Manage the site’s budget, labor costs, and capital expenditures as the location scales.

• Continuous Improvement: Use your operational expertise to refine processes as the facility transitions from "launch mode" to "growth mode."

• Culture Leadership: Build a high-performance, collaborative environment where safety and quality are non-negotiable.

Who You Are

• The Motivated Manager: You’ve successfully managed manufacturing teams or departments and are ready for the "Next Big Thing."

• Detail-Oriented & Visionary: You can spot a flaw in a floor plan just as easily as you can see the long-term potential of a new market.

• Problem Solver: You aren't rattled by the unpredictability of a new facility (permitting delays, equipment tweaks, etc.) and enjoy finding creative solutions.

• Effective Communicator: You can bridge the gap between corporate goals and shop-floor execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment (Production Manager, Plant Manager, or Ops Manager).

• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing principles.

• A background in managing budgets and production KPIs.

• The X-Factor: A genuine desire to learn the "behind-the-scenes" of facility acquisition and equipment commissioning.

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