Operations Manager

• Accountable for the profitability, cost containment, and control of assigned departments regarding product quality, labor, materials, utilities, and equipment utilization.
• Manage all aspects of Production, including employee training, motivation, engagement, and performance evaluation.
• Enforce company policies and procedures consistently and effectively.
• Prepare and update the production schedule to ensure efficient job flow and resource allocation.
• Verify inventory levels on blank bottles and other production materials.
• Prioritize orders and machine assignments by shift to optimize throughput.
• Monitor and compare actual production costs to standard costs, identifying variances and corrective actions.
• Update the weekly open order report with current job status and production timelines.
• Manage staffing schedules to optimize headcount, reduce costs, and control overtime.
• Approve supervisor time-off requests via iSolved by Ahola.
• Continuously evaluate and improve processes and procedures. Proactively suggest and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency, service, and quality.
• Facilitate clear communication between Production and Sales to resolve open issues and provide timely updates on schedule status.
• Ensure all production jobs are accurately closed promptly.
• Coordinate and oversee clerical production support activities.
• Collaborate with production supervisors to resolve daily operational challenges (e.g., inventory, Epicor, job status, scheduling).
• Issue monthly production reports for leadership review and analysis.
• Serve as backup to the Art Department, including preparing pricing quotes for preliminary decorating reviews and updating the Preliminary Reviews Data Log.
• Place orders for new tooling and record tooling item numbers and associated costs in the Vendor Tooling Cost Log and Special Services Tooling Information Log.
• Lead Kaizen events to drive continuous operational improvements, actively engaging associates and cross-functional teams.
• Champion the Lean Daily Management System by fostering a culture of problem solving, team engagement, and alignment of resources.
• Develop workforce skill development plans using a training matrix and training development tools.
• Create and implement operational plans that optimize Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Training metrics.

• Collaborate with Art and Quality Departments on costing, BOM accuracy, and related process improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the company's Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Member of the Middle Management Team.

• College graduate – Bachelors degree (preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of industrial management experience (preferred).
• Experienced in implementing Lean Manufacturing practices. Green Belt certification or higher (preferred).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, Visio, and Power BI.
• Must have experience working in ERP systems, preferably Epicor. Able to troubleshoot and resolve system issues independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate with internal teams, suppliers, and customers.
• Capable of effectively directing teams and aligning them with department and company priorities.

Kaufman Container