Operations Manager - Manufacturing/Fabrication - Base Salary to 110k/year - Lakeland, FL

Operations Manager - Manufacturing/Fabrication - Base Salary to 110k/year - Lakeland, FL

• AllSearch Recruiting is searching for an Operations Manager for our manufacturing client in Lakeland, FL. This role oversees all aspects of day-to-day production operations in a quality-focused, manual manufacturing environment that produces specialized safety and control products primarily for customers across multiple operating branches. The Operations Manager emphasizes meticulous quality processes, regulatory compliance (including DOT reviews), efficient material utilization through repair and refurbishment where possible, and the integration of large-format printing and plotting technologies to support assembly workflows.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, direct, and continuously improve daily fabrication and assembly operations to meet fluctuating production demands.
  
• Maximize production output, eliminate waste and inefficiencies, enforce rigorous quality standards (including external regulatory reviews), and uphold strict safety compliance in a hands-on, industrial shop environment.
  
• Own production scheduling, resource allocation, and on-time fulfillment of internal orders while adapting to frequent priority shifts from branch operations.
  
• Optimize utilization of specialized equipment and assets, including large-format printing, vinyl plotting, screen printing, and manual application tables.
  
• Align team efforts with broader organizational objectives, providing clear direction and focus for a staff of ~25, including supervisors and leads.
  
• Design and implement streamlined processes to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and responsiveness.
  
• Monitor key metrics, analyze data, and drive rapid corrective actions for issues in production, inventory, or quality controls.
  
• Build and lead a high-performing team through effective recruiting, training, coaching, performance management, and issue resolution.
  
• Leverage data to reduce overtime, minimize redundancies, and investigate root causes of inventory discrepancies (e.g., receiving errors, waste, miscalculations).
  
• Champion safety initiatives and ensure full adherence to OSHA, DOT, EPA, and other relevant standards across all production areas.
  
• Develop and refine systems, procedures, and KPIs to improve productivity, inventory control, and overall operational performance.
  
• Manage P&L-related activities, including budgeting, scheduling, invoicing, and crediting, while pursuing strong returns on assets.
  
• Manage two full-time drivers and company delivery trucks, overseeing the transportation of goods to locations throughout Florida and coordinating return shipments from branch locations to Lakeland.
  
• Plan, monitor, and optimize logistics and delivery schedules to ensure efficient, timely, and cost-effective operations.
  
• Deliver exceptional internal customer service through proactive communication and rapid adaptation to changing branch schedules and requirements.
  
• Oversee end-to-end inventory management using MRP/ERP systems, ensuring accurate tracking, discrepancy resolution, and optimal material flow in an environment that balances new and refurbished components.
  
• Balance time effectively between strategic office work and active presence on the shop floor, without direct heavy material handling.

Qualifications:

• 4+ years proven experience as an operations or manufacturing manager in a hands-on fabrication or assembly environment, preferably involving manual processes, regulatory-compliant products, and a mix of new and refurbished materials.
  
• Demonstrated leadership success in non-automated settings, with strong decision-making authority beyond checklists or templates.
  
• Advanced knowledge of operational finance and management, including budgeting, strategic planning, resource allocation, P&L oversight, invoicing, and crediting.
  
• Technical familiarity with large-format printing and assembly equipment (e.g., plotters, inkjet systems, screen printing) and fabrication workflows.
  
• Expertise in safety protocols, quality systems, productivity improvement, inventory control, and regulatory compliance.
  
• Strong background in production scheduling, logistics coordination, and troubleshooting inventory variances within ERP/MRP systems.
  
• Track record of building internal customer relationships, managing shifting priorities, and excelling in gritty, quality-driven production environments.
  
• Experience combining shop-floor execution with office-based strategy, process innovation, and waste reduction.
  
• Experience in industrial/outdoor settings, including exposure to weather, equipment noise, fumes, and materials; ability to stand/walk for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and work safely at heights.

Compensation:

• Base salary in the 95k - 110k/year range
• Schedule: Onsite, Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4 PM (Flexibility required)
  
• Benefits: Comprehensive package offered

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