Dri Design: Operations Engineering Manager

Engineering Operations Manager

Location: Columbus, Ohio Reports To: Director of Manufacturing

Dri-Design is a 100% recyclable, pressure equalized rainscreen, architectural metal panel system that attaches to nearly any substrate without the use of clips or extrusions. Made from a single solid piece of metal and not ACM or MCM, it is non-combustible and NFPA 285 complaint. Since it is not laminated nor a composite material, panels will never delaminate. It doesn’t require joint sealants, gaskets, or butyl tape and therefore eliminates the staining and maintenance associated with them. It is manufactured efficiently and installs faster than any comparable product, saving time and money.

Ready to be part of our team?

We are looking for an Engineering Operations Manager in our Columbus, OH plant.

Position Summary

The Operations Engineering Manager is responsible for leading engineering and main-line manufacturing operations to support safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role combines engineering expertise, operational leadership, and people management to improve manufacturing performance, increase throughput, reduce cost, and support future business growth.

This position oversees engineering resources and main-line operations personnel, ensuring alignment with production schedules, quality standards, equipment reliability, and safety initiatives. The Operations Engineering Manager partners closely with Scheduling, Production, Maintenance, and Leadership teams to optimize workflow, drive continuous improvement, and develop a high-performing operations team.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Engineering & Process Improvement

• Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods, processes, tooling, and equipment to enhance safety, quality, yield, and throughput
• Lead implementation of new products, materials, equipment, and production processes into manufacturing operations
• Analyze workflow, labor utilization, space requirements, and equipment layouts to maximize operational efficiency
• Support production through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and resolution of manufacturing and programming issues across multiple shifts
• Interpret engineering drawings, process specifications, and design intent to support production and product development
• Design and implement safe manufacturing processes aligned with OSHA and environmental standards
• Perform cost studies and continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, waste reduction, and increased productivity
• Develop measurable production targets, reports, and dashboards to monitor operational performance and drive accountability
• Support software and automation initiatives that improve productivity and operational scalability
• Manage capital projects and oversee CAPEX spending to ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget

Main-Line Operations Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight of main-line manufacturing operations to ensure production goals, quality standards, and delivery targets are achieved
• Lead, coach, and develop operations personnel through training, performance management, and continuous development initiatives
• Hold team members accountable to safety, quality, productivity, attendance, and operational performance expectations
• Partner closely with the Plant Scheduler to align labor, equipment, and production priorities with customer delivery requirements
• Monitor panel output, workflow efficiency, downtime, and operational KPIs to drive continuous improvement and throughput performance
• Ensure equipment maintenance programs and preventative maintenance activities are executed to maximize uptime and reliability
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement throughout the operations team
• Support staffing, cross-training, and workforce planning initiatives to meet current and future production demands
• Coordinate with Maintenance, Engineering, and Production teams to resolve operational challenges and improve plant performance

Additional Responsibilities

• Work with vendors and third-party manufacturers to support tooling, equipment procurement, and production requirements
• Oversee facility improvements, plant infrastructure upgrades, and security systems as needed
• Support company policies, procedures, and operational objectives, including Kingspan’s Planet Passionate initiatives
• Train production and office personnel on manufacturing processes, systems, and operational best practices
• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned by leadership
• Follow the Group Code of Conduct and Group Compliance
• Group Compliance Manual:
• 4 All personnel
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience required: 2+ years
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to develop and hold teams accountable
• Experience in manufacturing operations, process improvement, and production engineering
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and production planning principles
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Experience working cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Scheduling, and Maintenance teams
• Proficiency with manufacturing systems, reporting tools, and production software

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering from a four-year college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience

Computer Skills:

• Must be highly proficient in all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point) and Outlook and proficient in CAD software.
• Must be proficient in Salvagnini Stream Suite.

Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Kingspan is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran status and disability status, protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Dri-Design’s patented design has passed the most stringent air, water and structural testing requirements in the industry, including the AAMA 508-07 test for pressure equalized rainscreens, as well as Miami Dade County hurricane testing.

All of this in a system that provides nearly endless design possibilities, with an unlimited palette of colors, finishes, materials, textures and custom perforations, including imaging.