Operations Manager

Client Location: Zanesville, OH

Relocation Assistance | Direct-Hire | Growth Path | Great Benefits

We are seeking a high-potential Operations Manager to join a manufacturing facility. This is a key plant leadership role responsible for overseeing core production operations with path to Plant Manager. This individual will lead departmental Process Leads, support Plant Engineering and Maintenance functions, and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations in a complex, 24/7 production environment. This role also provides full operational leadership coverage during periods when the Plant Manager is offsite.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of operational leadership experience in heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Experience in foundry, metals processing, steel, specialty metals, chemical processing, or similar environments.
• Proven leadership of supervisors, managers, or departmental leaders.
• Experience with continuous improvement and capital project execution.

Essential Duties:

• Operational Leadership:
• Provide direct leaderships through Operations, Process Leads, and Department Managers.
• Ensure safe, efficient production execution aligned with safety, quality, and throughput targets.
• Monitor plant performance, resolve operational issues, and drive corrective actions.
• Coordinate plant operations during Plant Manager absences.
• Team Leadership & Development:
• Lead and develop 4–5 direct reports and approximately 40–50 indirect production personnel.
• Provide leadership oversight to Plant Engineering and potentially Maintenance functions.
• Build leadership capability, accountability, and operational ownership across teams.
• Continuous Improvement & Capital Projects:
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and operational excellence principles.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to improve safety, reliability, quality, and efficiency.
• Support and manage capital improvement projects, working cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, and EHS.
• Safety & Compliance:
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and company standards.
• Partner closely with Environmental Health & Safety to maintain safe and compliant operations.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical, Chemical, Mechanical, or related Engineering discipline.