Operations Manager

THE COMPANY

Our client is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and distributors of binders, sheet protectors, index and tab dividers, self-adhesive labels for laser and ink jet printers, labeling software, and other office, home and school-related supplies. They have number one global market share in various office products. They currently have a 300,000 sq/ft high volume manufacturing plant with nearly 1100 employees running 24 hours and 6 days per week in Tijuana, Mexico.  

THE POSITION

Job Overview:

The Operations Manager leads, plans, organizes, and controls the design and implementation of production systems in coordination with business unit leaders and departmental managers that ensure continuous flow in manufacturing by meeting customer and stakeholder requirements in terms of volume, quality, cost, and delivery times in an efficient manner, always keeping in mind compliance with principles,  company values and policies.  The Operations Manager is responsible for 3 Business Unit Leaders and their P&L, the Continuous Improvement Leader, Maintenance Leader, and Master Scheduler. The 3 business units include 600+ employees in a 24-hour, 6-day-a-week high-volume operation. This position reports to the Director of Operations for the Tijuana, Mexico campus.

Key Challenges and Deliverables:
Reduce Labor Costs: Lower both direct and indirect labor costs.
Drive Lean Manufacturing:  Lean principles, starting with 5S, need to be implemented across the operation.
Improve WIP Management:  Work-in-progress management requires significant improvement.
Reduce Maintenance Costs: Maintenance costs are above target and need to be reduced.
Implement Digital Tools: The operation would benefit from the implementation of digital tools for process management and visual management. For example determine OEE so it can be measured and improved.
Streamline Paperwork Processes: Current processes are overly reliant on paperwork and need streamlining.

Main Responsibilities:

• Manage through the business unit leaders all the activities of the production system using concepts, philosophies of the best manufacturing practices in which Industrial Safety, 5S, Problem Solving, TPM, monitoring of KPIs and KPM’s, etc.
• Participates in the plant’s strategic planning process and promotes the organization’s values and culture.
• Challenge the Operations team to the pursuit of operational excellence by not limiting it to just achieving budget goals.
• Provide coaching to their work team to encourage them to find answers to problems they face. 
• Responsible for the development, evaluation and improvement of Manufacturing Methods, using the standards of Industrial Engineering, Design and Manufacturing Processes, as well as parts and materials, Production Equipment and Machinery Capacity, Assembly Methods, capacity and quality standards, as well as Waste Control.
• Drive continuous improvement, efficiency, and productivity in manufacturing results.
• Ensure that production control methods, analytical procedures, and statistically based tools are developed and applied consistently.
• Participates in the plant leadership team in identifying, planning, and implementing key initiatives to achieve operational strategies/goals.
• Generate accurate and timely reports that include: efficiency, productivity, compliance rate, scrap, among others.
• Determines and executes the Organization’s Administrative Policies through Subordinate Managers.
• Supervises the adequate Preventive and Corrective Maintenance of Facilities, Equipment and Machinery, minimizing costs and ensuring compliance with Quality Standards.
• Supervises and evaluates procedures designed for the improvement of production methods, equipment utilization, and quality of finished products.
• Responsible for selecting, training, motivating, developing and acting as a facilitator of their work team.
• Validates and Authorizes the company’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

THE CANDIDATE

Level of Education: Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical, Electronics, Chemistry or related sciences. Postgraduate/Master’s degree (desirable).
Language: English 90% and Fluent in Spanish
Experience: – 7 to 10 years or more in Manufacturing Processes, process improvement and high-volume production operations with a minimum of 5+ years in a similar position such as  Operations Manager and/or Manufacturing Manager, preferably in a mid to large size manufacturing plant with a minimum of 150 employees under responsibility.
– Must be able to grow into a Plant Manager role in the next 5 years.
– Working knowledge of maintenance coupled with Planning knowledge. Hands-on Planning experience is a plus.

COMPETENCIES

Hard Skills and/or Knowledge:

• MS Office: intermediate to advanced.
• Development of strategic action plans based on business and organizational objectives.
• Extensive mastery and knowledge in Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing Programs,
• Certification in ASQ, Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing is desirable.
• Analytical and mathematical mentality.
• Budget planning and control. Good business acumen.
• Service, attention and customer satisfaction. 
• Management, supervision, and development of personnel in large groups. Solid coaching spirit.
• Identification and solution of problems/potential conflicts in the area.
• Strong execution. Effective, proactive and assertive communication.
• Ability to negotiate, coordinate, manage and meet continuous improvement objectives, as well as the implementation of strategic action plans.
• Orientation to results and continuous improvement.
• Humble enough to learn and listen.

Behavioral Skills:

• Leadership.  
• Emotional intelligence
• Able to delegate
• Proactive
• Integrity
• Innovation
• Self-motivation
• Active listening
• Adaptability
• Organization
• Teamwork
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Confidentiality
• Adhere to company policies