Operations Manager – Steel Manufacturing
📍 Kansas City, MO
🕒 Full‑Time | On‑Site
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead day‑to‑day manufacturing operations at a steel manufacturing facility. This role has full responsibility for production, shipping & receiving, maintenance, safety, quality, and people leadership.
The Operations Manager will drive operational excellence by balancing output, cost, safety, and quality, while building a high‑performance, accountable plant culture. This position requires strong floor leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to translate strategy into execution.
Compensation is competitive and based on experience.
What You’ll Do
Lead and oversee daily plant operations, including production, shipping/receiving, and maintenance
Ensure consistent achievement of production output, product quality, and on‑time delivery
Increase production capacity and asset utilization while controlling costs and maintaining quality standards
Allocate labor, equipment, and materials to achieve optimal results
Develop and execute operational plans aligned with business objectives
Monitor performance metrics and initiate corrective actions as needed
Identify and eliminate waste, overtime, and inefficiencies through data analysis
Champion a strong safety culture, holding teams accountable to all safety standards
Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop plant staff and leaders
Manage performance, employee relations, and disciplinary processes when required
Ensure compliance with OSHA, ISO, and all federal, state, and local regulations
Conduct regular inspections of the plant, equipment, yards, and grounds
Partner closely with Quality, Sales, Procurement, Finance, HR, and other internal stakeholders
Build strong, trust‑based relationships with internal and external customers
What We’re Looking For
Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing or plant operations role
Strong understanding of production, safety, quality, inventory, and maintenance processes
Demonstrated success in people leadership, performance management, and team development
Solid business and financial acumen, including budgeting and cost control
Experience driving accountability, continuous improvement, and operational discipline
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
Comfortable leading by example on the plant floor
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Management, or equivalent experience
8+ years of manufacturing experience (steel or aluminum preferred)
8+ years of progressive leadership experience
Strong working knowledge of OSHA and safety regulations
Experience working in ISO‑compliant manufacturing environments
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This role is based in a manufacturing plant environment with significant time spent on the plant floor.
The position requires standing, walking, climbing, bending, and occasional lifting. Flexibility in work hours is expected based on production needs.
Equal Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.