Operations Leader, Production- Contract Manufacturing

This is a high‑impact leadership role for a technically grounded manufacturing professional who wants more ownership, broader scope, and a clear path forward. The individual in this role will run approximately half of a production facility and play a key role in shaping how the operation scales.

Client Details

The company is a growing, high‑mix manufacturing organization operating in a regulated environment where quality, delivery, and execution matter. It produces complex, engineered products and supports customers with demanding technical and performance requirements. The operation is actively scaling, investing in its manufacturing infrastructure, and strengthening its leadership bench to support long‑term growth.

Description

The Operations Leader, Production will be responsible for:

• Full ownership of SQDIP performance with responsibility for developing and executing action plans when targets are missed
• Leading day to day production execution to meet build plans and shipment commitments
• Translating demand and capacity planning into effective floor execution
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and CI tools with hands‑on involvement in implementation
• Leading and closing corrective actions tied to quality, delivery, and process performance
• Monitoring and managing production cell performance using labor and efficiency metrics
• Identifying gaps in staffing, skills, and resources and putting long‑term solutions in place
• Partnering across operations, quality, engineering, planning, and supply chain
• Participating in ISO audits and maintaining compliance with quality systems
• Improving inventory accuracy and material flow
• Hiring, developing, and coaching frontline leaders and operators
• Acting as backup for the overall operations lead when needed

Profile

The successful Production Leader will have a background as follows:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience
• Experience in manufacturing or process engineering with a transition into a first or second leadership role
• A track record of personally leading Lean or continuous improvement initiatives, not just supporting them
• Comfort being accountable for output, efficiency, quality, and people simultaneously
• Experience in a mixed model or medium volume manufacturing environment
• The ability to lead from the floor and influence through credibility rather than pure authority
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience
• Demonstrated manufacturing leadership experience
• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing and CI methodologies
• Experience working in an ISO‑controlled environment is preferred
• Strong communication skills and the ability to lead cross‑functionally
• Advanced Excel skills for operational analysis and reporting
• Lean certification or Six Sigma Green Belt is a plus

Job Offer

The candidate will be offered:

• Competitive base salary of $130,000+
• A senior‑level role with meaningful scope and autonomy
• Clear runway for growth as the operation expands
• The chance to help shape manufacturing processes rather than inherit rigid systems
• A leadership team that values execution, data, and continuous improvement

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.