Our client is a highly respected U.S. manufacturer in the industrial and fabricated-metal products space, producing engineered, high-value components that serve customers nationwide. The company is privately held, financially strong, and investing heavily in new technology, equipment upgrades, and long-term operational modernization.

Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Manufacturing Operations Manager who wants to step into an influential leadership role where they can shape the future of the plant, elevate team performance, and drive meaningful improvements across production and engineering.

This is an opportunity for a hands-on operational leader who thrives in a collaborative culture, enjoys developing people, and wants to make a lasting impact.

Why This Role Is a Great Opportunity

High visibility: Work directly with senior leadership and influence long-term operational strategy
Investment & modernization: The plant is actively upgrading equipment, systems, and processes
Leadership autonomy: Empowered to make decisions, develop your team, and implement new ideas
Stable, growing environment: A financially strong company with a long history and consistent demand
Real impact: Your work directly affects output, efficiency, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction

Primary Function

The Manufacturing Operations Manager will oversee all daily plant operations, including production, fabrication, and manufacturing engineering support. This leader will drive performance, strengthen processes, build team capability, and support ongoing modernization efforts across the operation.

Key Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day operations in production, fabrication, and engineering support
Partner cross-functionally to eliminate bottlenecks, improve flow, and strengthen quality performance
Lead, mentor, and develop production and engineering teams in a represented (union) or mixed labor environment
Analyze production data, identify improvement opportunities, and drive corrective action
Support capital projects, new equipment integration, and modernization initiatives
Manage departmental budgets and optimize labor, materials, and operational resources
Champion safety programs and embed a culture of proactive risk reduction
Foster strong collaboration across departments, breaking down silos to improve communication and efficiency
Drive continuous improvement efforts around waste reduction, throughput, cycle time, and scrap reduction
Ensure production plans are met with a focus on quality, safety, and on-time delivery
Support the implementation of systems, processes, and tools that align with long-term business objectives

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related discipline preferred
5–7+ years of manufacturing management experience in an industrial or metal fabrication environment
Leadership experience across multiple process areas (production, engineering, maintenance, etc.)
Strong problem-solving skills and a track record of driving operational improvements
Servant leadership mindset with the ability to develop and engage teams
Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization
Experience with welding, fabrication, or custom/low-volume metalworking environments preferred

If you're a manufacturing leader who enjoys building teams, modernizing operations, and driving meaningful change, this is a rare opportunity to take ownership and make a real impact.

Bluewater Hayes Inc.

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