Operations Lead / Production Manager
Location: Albany, GA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Start Date: ASAP
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Operations Lead/Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations in a highly regulated medical device production environment. You will drive operational excellence, ensure production targets are achieved safely and efficiently, and develop high-performing teams. This is a hands-on manufacturing leadership role requiring strong knowledge of regulated processes, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.
You will oversee production operations while partnering closely with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance, EH&S, and other support functions to ensure operational success, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day manufacturing and production operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives
- Develop production schedules and allocate labor, equipment, and resources to meet customer demand
- Build, coach, mentor, and develop frontline supervisors and production leadership teams
- Foster a culture of accountability, employee engagement, and continuous improvement
- Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Finance, and EH&S to achieve production goals
- Ensure compliance with FDA, cGMP, OSHA, ISO, MDR, and other applicable regulatory requirements
- Monitor production metrics and KPIs to identify opportunities for productivity, efficiency, quality, and cost improvement
- Participate in capital planning, budgeting, and forecasting activities
- Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
- Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives
- Support equipment upgrades, process improvements, and operational projects
- Manage multiple priorities while meeting production commitments
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related technical discipline
- 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience within a regulated manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated experience leading production teams of 50+ employees through frontline supervisors
- Strong understanding of FDA, cGMP, ISO, MDR, OSHA, and quality system requirements
- Experience with production planning, labor scheduling, capacity planning, and operational budgeting
- Proven leadership, coaching, and talent development skills
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence across all levels of an organization
Preferred Qualifications
- Medical device manufacturing experience
- Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
- MDR and TÜV regulatory experience
- Experience in similarly regulated industries (aerospace, food & beverage, pharmaceutical)
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $125,000 – $145,000
Bonus: 17% target bonus
Benefits Package:
- 100% medical premium coverage for employee and dependents
- Dental and vision plans
- 401(k) with 100% company match on first 4% contribution
- 7% safe harbor retirement contribution
- Paid time off and company shutdown days
- Tuition reimbursement
- Financial wellness program access
- Relocation support available
About This Opportunity
This is an onsite position with an established medical device manufacturer. You'll work in a collaborative environment with experienced leadership and modern manufacturing facilities. The role reports directly to the Plant Manager and offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on production operations and team development.