Plant Operations Manager, Precision Metalforming

Your Mandate

Reports to: Vice President of Manufacturing

Lead two Phoenix Stamping Group plants to peak operational performance. You will harmonize people, processes, and equipment to achieve superior safety, quality, cost, and delivery—while cultivating a high-engagement, improvement-first culture.

What Success Looks Like

• Safety RIR trending down through proactive hazard elimination and effective corrective actions.
• OEE rising as bottlenecks are removed and changeovers optimized.
• 6S and QEK activity embedded in daily routines, not events.
• COPQ reduced via robust process controls and disciplined problem-solving.
• OTD consistently met as schedules mirror true demand and inventory goals.
• Operating expenses on or under budget; Gross Margin % improving.

Your Accountabilities

• Oversee Production, Maintenance, Tooling, and Material Handling to meet company objectives.
• Champion safety as a committee member; lead root-cause analyses and corrective action plans.
• Coordinate statutory training and maintain compliance across both sites.
• Build and manage plant schedules that align with demand and inventory targets.
• Drive OEE and efficiency to impact OTD, output, and variable labor on the P&L.
• Lead shipping/receiving execution, inventory management (including cycle counts), and material handling equipment maintenance.
• Support equipment installations and layout projects; manage internal and contractor activities to plan.
• Audit standard work and process control plans to minimize defects and quality costs.
• Review quality metrics with plant leaders to identify root causes and deploy effective countermeasures.
• Evaluate staffing and talent placement; develop Supervisors, Leads, and all direct/indirect labor.
• Identify operator upskilling needs and implement targeted training programs.
• Implement 6S and visual factory practices and monitor sustainment.
• Stay current on modern operations methods and translate them for practical team use.
• Budget and manage plant P&L; positively influence variable labor and operating expense lines.
• Own the Quick and Easy Kaizen (QEK) program and deliver quarterly results.

Continuous Improvement Engine

• Deploy Lean tools across production and support processes to elevate flow and reduce waste.
• Collect the right data and use structured problem-solving to eradicate root causes.
• Harness ideas from every team member to implement scalable improvements.

Operate with Discipline

• Promote continuous improvement through awareness, training, procurement, and process upgrades.
• Maintain an orderly, clean, and safe workplace via 6S and participate in audits.
• Partner with other functions to align capabilities, share timelines, and meet project deliverables.
• Meet organizational standards for quality systems, health and safety, legal requirements, environmental policies, and duty of care.
• Execute responsibilities in line with company policies and ethical, lawful standards.

Background and Capabilities

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent technical experience.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience in manufacturing.
• Metal stamping and metal fabrication background preferred.
• Working knowledge of Lean principles.
• Proven P&L exposure with measurable financial impact.
• Quality systems knowledge (ISO 9001:2015 preferred).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and computer skills; Excel and ERP proficiency.
• Demonstrated expertise scheduling within/through ERP systems.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Competencies You Demonstrate

• Leadership and people management
• Continuous improvement
• SOP development and adherence
• Supervision of teams
• OSHA 10-Hour Certification
• Production optimization
• Lean manufacturing expertise
• Coaching and mentoring
• Operational metrics and KPI ownership
• ERP and MRP systems
• Production planning and scheduling
• Inventory management and control
• Workplace safety and EHS management
• Scheduling proficiency
• Budgeting and forecasting

Equipment and Technology Landscape

• MIG welder
• Thread gauges (GO/NO-GO)
• CNC laser cutter
• Punch press
• Press brake
• Stamping press
• Cold heading machine
• Robotic welder
• ERP software
• Calipers and micrometers
• Industrial robot