Operations Manager

Principal Objective of Position:

Operations Manager leads the continuous improvement, production, engineering, and maintenance strategy for the Indianapolis Service Center’s metal processing operations. Working through the hourly and salaried workforce of the Service Center, this position builds a culture of safety, Lean manufacturing, and right-the-first-time quality that improves OEE, on-time delivery, scrap, and cost while ensuring every product meets customer and industry requirements. This role is critical to the Company’s growth by creating standardized, scalable processes and a quality system that make the Indianapolis Service Center a supplier of choice for OEM customers.

Essential Functions:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Leads and develops the Service Center, setting priorities, goals, and accountability for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost (SQDC).
• Develops and executes an operational excellence roadmap built on Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles.
• Establishes, tracks, and reports key performance indicators such as OEE, first-pass yield, scrap and yield loss, on-time delivery, cost per hour, and customer complaints, and uses the data to drive decisions.
• Leads root cause analysis and corrective and preventive action (8D, 5 Whys, fishbone) for internal nonconformances, supplier issues, and customer complaints, ensuring timely and effective closure.
• Drives standard work, 5S, visual management, and tiered daily accountability meetings on the production floor.
• Identifies, prioritizes, and leads Kaizen events, automation, and capital projects that improve throughput, material handling, and processing capability.
• Champions a strong safety culture in partnership with the Safety Director, ensuring compliance with OSHA and Company safety standards.
• Ensures effective inspection methods, gauge calibration, and measurement systems across all production areas.
• Develops and manages operational excellence and quality budgets, achieving cost, scrap, and productivity targets in support of the P&L.
• Builds organizational capability by coaching supervisors, training the workforce in production, lean and quality tools, and supporting succession planning.

Other Responsibilities:

• Supports new customer program launches, process qualifications, and equipment start-ups.
• Shares best practices and lessons learned across Oscar Winski Company divisions and locations.
• Participates in strategic planning, capital budgeting, and business reviews.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Required:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing or metals service center operations, including at least 5 years leading operations, quality, or continuous improvement teams.
• Proven track record of implementing Lean Manufacturing and quality systems with measurable results in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Expert knowledge of Lean tools (value stream mapping, 5S, SMED, kanban, standard work) and structured problem solving (8D, A3, 5 Whys).
• Strong data analysis skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to lead through managers, influence change, and build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Effective communicator at all levels, from the shop floor to customer executives.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven production environment.