position title: Operations manager

Location: kansas city, MO

position id: tba

 

Position Summary:

Our client is seeking a high-impact Operations Leader to scale and standardize a high-performing, multi-site operation. This position will build the next level of operational excellence across our network, driving consistency, velocity, and customer-centric execution.

Operating at the intersection of distribution, application engineering support, and manufacturing environments (plastics/rubber), this role will ensure the company continues to deliver tailored solutions, trusted service, and performance in the toughest applications.

The ideal candidate is a national-caliber operator who has successfully scaled complex operations, implemented Lean/Kaizen systems, and built disciplined, high-accountability teams across multiple locations.

 

Key Responsibilities

· Lead and oversee all manufacturing functions including, warehousing, distribution, and logistics

· ensuring production schedules are met with efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery

· Drive manufacturing strategy aligned with company growth and acquisition objectives

· Lead integration efforts for newly acquired manufacturing companies, ensuring alignment of processes, systems, and performance standards

· Implement and sustain Lean, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives

· Optimize production flow, labor utilization, cost structure, and throughput

· Build and standardize scalable manufacturing processes across the organization

· Partner cross-functionally with supply chain, engineering, sales, and leadership teams

· Establish and drive KPI accountability across manufacturing operations

· Lead, develop, and strengthen manufacturing teams, building a high-performance culture

· Identify and implement automation and process improvements

· Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards

 

Required Qualifications

· Proven experience leading manufacturing operations, ideally in multi-site or growth-oriented environments

· Strong background in manufacturing environments including plastics, rubber molding, and/or die converting

· Demonstrated experience running production schedules and plant operations

· Deep experience in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and supply chain logistics

· Hands-on experience with MRP systems (JobBOSS, BILL, or similar platforms required)

· Demonstrated success implementing Lean, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies

· Six Sigma Black Belt required

· Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, drive change, and enforce accountability

· Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills

· Track record of scaling operations and driving measurable cost savings and service-level improvements

· Experience integrating acquisitions and standardizing operations preferred

· Background in process automation and operational technology preferred

· Experience in high-mix, multi-industry manufacturing environments preferred

· Executive level communication and presentation skills

· Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field required.

· Ability to travel approximately 25% (depending on location and integration needs)

· Position is based on site at the Kansas City manufacturing facility

Video Presentation:

The company offers:

• Base Salary around 125-145k
• Bonus annually
• Medical, Life, 401k, and Employee Benefits
• Full relocation

 

Our client is a US and global leader in the manufacturing of sealing solutions, gaskets, and die-cut materials (Foam, Scrim, Fabric,). They are looking for an Operations Manager / Change agent to help them grow their facility in Kansas City. There are 20 direct reports in this position and the role reports to the current General Manager. They are looking at succession planning in the future.

 

If interested, please send your updated resume to angelo@centraljobs.com or call directly at 440-772-1015.