Operations Manager

About This Role

Lead daily manufacturing operations for Urick, guiding production teams and driving process excellence to ensure safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement in the ductile solutions market.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operational performance across all production areas (melting, molding, pouring, core making, finishing, support functions) to ensure a safe, efficient, and reliable workflow across all shifts
• Provide direction, coaching, and development for supervisors and frontline leaders, modeling effective communication, active listening, and modern manufacturing leadership practices
• Champion a proactive, world-class safety culture by driving participation in safety programs, reinforcing safe work practices, and promoting a zero-injury mindset
• Lead the daily SQDC process to make performance visible, promote structured problem-solving, and reinforce accountability for actions and outcomes
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production Control, and Maintenance to optimize equipment utilization, stabilize processes, and ensure effective allocation of people and resources
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean principles, 5S, standard work, and root-cause analysis to increase consistency, reduce waste, and improve throughput
• Strengthen operational discipline by coaching teams on decision-making, follow-through, and effective communication
• Support workforce planning through shift coverage, cross-training, and resource deployment across production areas
• Lead performance development efforts (coaching, goal-setting, performance discussions) to grow strong manufacturing leadership talent
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment that reinforces teamwork, high expectations, continuous learning, and strong retention

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a technical field OR 10+ years of equivalent manufacturing experience
• At least five years of supervisory or management experience in manufacturing
• Ability to learn and master production processes, equipment, and operating standards
• Strong communication skills with the ability to lead, influence, engage, and build trust across teams
• Demonstrated ability to organize work, set clear expectations, and follow through in a dynamic environment
• Capacity to balance hands-on operational leadership with broader improvement initiatives
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities with a solutions-focused, steady approach

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a technical field
• At least five years of supervisory or management experience in manufacturing or 10+ years of equivalent manufacturing experience

Nice to Have

• Experience in foundry operations (melting, molding, pouring, shakeout)
• Demonstrated success in driving Lean practices, structured problem-solving, and process discipline
• Proven ability to develop talent and build high-performing, engaged teams

Skills

* Required skills