Operations Manager

Operations Manager AssemblyThe Operations Manager Assembly is responsible for leading multi-shift production operations within a high-volume, unionized automotive manufacturing environment. This role is accountable for driving performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people while ensuring operational stability and alignment with plant objectives.The Operations Manager leads through a team of Center Managers, superintendents, and supervisors, partnering cross-functionally to ensure efficient production, workforce engagement, and continuous improvement.Duties And ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipLead daily production operations across multiple assembly lines and shiftsEnsure safe, efficient, and quality-focused execution of production plansDrive structured escalation and resolution of downtime, quality issues, and production disruptionsMaintain strong leadership presence on the production floorPerformance ManagementDrive performance across key metrics including quality (C/1000), labor, manufacturing overhead, scrap, downtime, and absenteeismLead daily performance reviews and enforce accountability across all levelsIdentify performance gaps and implement corrective actionsFinancial ManagementManage labor performance including staffing levels and overtimeDrive cost control initiatives related to scrap, labor efficiency, and overheadSupport capital planning and ensure alignment with operational prioritiesEnsure effective labor absorption and cost discipline across shiftsEngagementLead and develop Center Managers, superintendents, and production supervisorsEstablish clear expectations and accountability across all leadership levelsCoach and develop leaders to strengthen decision-making and executionDrive employee engagement in a UAW-represented environmentPartner with HR on workforce mattersCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and FinanceAlign resources to support production demands and launchesDrive cross-functional problem solving and issue resolutionContinuous ImprovementLead initiatives to improve quality, labor efficiency, and throughputDrive implementation of poka-yoke and process disciplineUse data and root cause analysis to eliminate recurring issuesEscalation & Crisis ManagementLead structured response to line-down situations and production interruptionsEnsure timely escalation and communication to leadershipSupport customer communication during critical eventsEducation And ExperienceBachelor's degree in engineering, Operations, or related field preferred7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturingExperience in a unionized (UAW) environment requiredStrong knowledge of high-volume assembly operationsProven ability to lead through multiple layers of leadershipStrong business acumen and understanding of plant financial driversKnowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesKnowledgeKnowledge of high-volume automotive assembly operations and production systemsUnderstanding of key manufacturing KPIs including quality (C/1000), labor efficiency, scrap, and downtimeKnowledge of unionized workforce environments, including UAW labor practices and workforce managementUnderstanding of manufacturing cost drivers, including labor, manufacturing overhead, and material wasteFamiliarity with continuous improvement methodologies and error-proofing (poka-yoke) principlesKnowledge of safety standards, quality systems, and regulatory requirements (IATF 16949, ISO standards)SkillsStrong leadership and team development skills across multiple levels of managementAbility to analyze data, identify trends, and implement effective corrective actionsEffective problem-solving and root cause analysis skillsStrong communication skills with the ability to engage hourly workforce, leadership teams, and customer stakeholdersAbility to drive accountability and performance through structured management systemsOrganizational and time management skills in a fast-paced, multi-shift environmentConflict resolution and employee relations skills within a unionized settingAbilitiesAbility to lead and influence large, cross-functional teams in a high-pressure manufacturing environmentAbility to make timely decisions and prioritize effectively during production disruptionsAbility to manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus on key operational objectivesAbility to build and sustain a culture of accountability, discipline, and continuous improvementAbility to translate plant-level objectives into actionable plans at the shift and departmental levelAbility to maintain composure and drive performance during crisis situations (e.g., line-down events, labor disruptions)Travel & Physical RequirementsLimited travel required; occasional travel may be necessary to support business and customer needsRegular presence on the production floor required to support operations, including extended periods of standing and walkingAbility to work safely in a manufacturing environment and comply with all PPE requirementsAbility to support operations during off-shift hours or extended production schedules as neededThe above statements describe the general nature and level of the work being performed and are not an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities of an employee in this position. Job duties and functions can change at any time and Voltava reserves the right to require other duties as needed without revision to this document.