Operations Manager

Job Description

Aquinas Consulting is currently looking to fill an Operations Manager job in Princeton, IL for a direct manufacturing client. In this role, you will be responsible for the strategic and day-to-day leadership of plant operations, overseeing production, safety, staffing, quality, cost control, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will lead a team-oriented culture, drive lean transformation, and ensure plant performance aligns with business objectives. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing professional with strong people management skills, analytical acumen, and a passion for operational excellence.

Operations Manager Job responsibilities:

Ensure a safe working environment and proactively address safety concerns

Drive employee engagement, performance recognition, and a positive plant culture

Meet customer quality expectations and lead continuous improvement initiatives

Oversee production operations and enforce standard work, 5S, and visual management practices

Manage daily operations, staffing plans, and adherence to Managing for Daily Improvement (MDI)

Establish and achieve productivity, cost, and operational metrics

Provide coaching, performance reviews, and team development opportunities

Lead project management efforts and evaluate proposals for operational investments

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related technical field required; MBA preferred

Minimum 10 years of experience with at least 5 years in a manufacturing leadership role

Expertise in lean manufacturing, process improvement, and plant operations

Strong knowledge of manufacturing flow, SPC, root cause analysis, and DOE

Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills

Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and influence results across teams

Strong customer service orientation and commitment to operational efficiency

Please note: Applying to this role is an agreement to have your information entered into our database and acknowledgement that a recruiter will reach out to you either by phone, email, and/or text message regarding this and similar job opportunities.

Aquinas Consulting is a woman and minority owned company headquartered in Milford, CT that provides Engineering, Information Technology (IT), and Manufacturing staffing solutions throughout the US. We take pride in 20 years of service to our clients, our hiring managers, our consultants, and our local community. Aquinas is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and committed to considering all qualified applications without regard to race, genetic information, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Full-time