Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDIPC) targets
Lead production, maintenance, logistics, and engineering functions to ensure seamless plant performance
Drive adherence to production schedules and customer delivery requirements
Act as Plant Manager in their absence
Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing
Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and CI initiatives (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, standard work)
Identify and execute productivity improvements, waste reduction, and cost-saving initiatives
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for operational issues
Establish a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
Quality & Customer Performance
Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 / ISO quality standards
Drive internal and external quality performance, including PPM reduction and customer satisfaction
Partner with quality teams on audits, containment, and corrective actions
Support APQP, PPAP, and launch activities
Safety & Compliance
Promote a zero-incident safety culture and ensure compliance with all Federal, State, Local, and Company HSEQ regulations.
Lead safety programs, audits, and corrective actions
Ensure environmental and regulatory compliance
Maintain Alkegen's highest level of safety standards on site including identifying and correcting unsafe conditions and unsafe acts. Will embody Alkegen's core safety principles including but not limited to The Seven Safety Absolutes, use of PPE, and Safe Standards of Work at all times.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, coach, and develop a team of supervisors, managers, and department leaders
Drive employee engagement, accountability, and performance management
Support workforce planning, training, and succession planning
Conduct monthly one-on-one coaching sessions with direct reports and complete annual performance appraisals
Foster a positive labor relations environment (union experience)
Financial & Business Performance
Manage plant operating budgets and drive cost control initiatives
Analyze KPIs and financial metrics to improve plant profitability
Support capital investment planning and execution
Optimize labor efficiency and resource utilization
New Program Launch & Engineering Support
Support new product launches and capacity expansions
Collaborate with engineering and program management teams to meet timing and cost targets
Ensure smooth ramp-up and operational readiness
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Safety (Gembas, BSO, Recordables, Lost Time Incidents)
On-time delivery (OTIF)
Inventory
Scrap and PPM rates
OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
Labor efficiency and productivity
Cost performance vs. budget
Requirements
Education
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field required
7 to 10 years of experience in automotive manufacturing (Tier 1 preferred)
5+ years in leadership roles within plant operations
Union environment experience
Strong background in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
Launch experience with all customers with an automotive OEM customer focus
Skills & Competencies
Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
Deep understanding of automotive quality systems (IATF 16949)
Proven ability to drive operational performance and cultural change
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
Financial acumen and data-driven mindset
Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt)
Strong communication
Additional Information
Job Requirements
Why work for us?
Alkegen brings together two of the world's leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we're delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.
With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry's most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.
Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we're always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!
Operations Manager
Position Summary
The Operations Manager is responsible for leading daily plant operations in a high-volume Tier 1/Tier 2 automotive manufacturing environment. This role drives operational excellence across production, quality, safety, cost, and delivery performance, while supporting strategic initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
The position serves as the Plant Manager's key operational partner and acts as the primary leader for manufacturing execution, workforce management, and lean transformation.
Alkegen · Fulton, NY