Operations Manager
The Operations Manager at Confidential Client oversees end-to-end production on a dedicated manufacturing line specializing in electroplating, anodizing, secondary finishing, or ITAR-controlled machining. This role entails managing production schedules, quality compliance, customer relationships, and team leadership to ensure delivery of high-quality products meeting strict industry standards. It offers early-career engineers broad operational ownership with a clear path to senior leadership within a technically advanced, certified manufacturing environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, contract manufacturing (plating, anodizing, and precision machining) serving automotive, defense, firearms, and medical customers.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking an early-career Operations Manager to own day-to-day performance of a single production line at their Toano, VA manufacturing site. This is a hands-on, high-visibility management role with direct customer contact and a clear path to senior operations leadership.
- Direct and manage production on an assigned line (electroplating, anodizing, secondary finishing, or ITAR-controlled machining) to meet output, quality, and delivery goals.
- Develop and manage daily/weekly production schedules; coordinate with maintenance, chemistry, scheduling, and support teams to minimize downtime.
- Monitor and report line KPIs (OEE, cycle time, scrap/rework rate, on-time delivery) to plant leadership.
- Lead structured troubleshooting and corrective action using disciplined problem-solving methods.
- Drive continuous improvement: implement Lean, 5S, and Kaizen initiatives to improve yield and reduce cost.
- Manage line-level labor, tooling, consumables, and overtime within budgeted targets.
- Serve as the primary operational contact for assigned customers; provide proactive updates on schedule and quality.
Quality, Compliance & Safety
- Ensure all line activities meet the site’s quality system and certifications (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, NADCAP scopes).
- Maintain accurate process documentation: control plans, FMEAs, work instructions, inspection and traceability records.
- Lead layered audits, SPC monitoring, and daily quality checks; own RCCA and customer-facing 8D responses.
- Enforce safety procedures and environmental compliance; manage chemical handling and documentation per policy and regulation.
- For defense/ITAR lines: maintain strict export-control compliance and escalate potential issues immediately.
Who You Are (Qualifications)
Required:
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or closely related discipline.
- Strong analytical and hands-on problem-solving ability in a regulated, high-volume environment.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills; experience engaging operators and external customers.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) as required by ITAR.
- Willing to work a flexible schedule, including occasional off-shift support.
Preferred:
- Internship/co-op or project experience in manufacturing, finishing, automotive, defense, or firearms environments.
- Coursework or familiarity with electrochemistry, surface finishing, or chemical processing.
- Exposure to Mil-Spec finishing standards and knowledge of quality core tools (FMEA, SPC, APQP).
- Familiarity with Lean, 5S, or Kaizen methodologies; ROTC or military service background is valued.
- Basic understanding of ITAR/export control compliance.
What We Offer
- Competitive base salary commensurate with education and experience.
- Comprehensive benefits: health, dental, vision, and retirement plan.
- Structured onboarding and mentorship with experienced plant and process leaders.
- Technical exposure to proprietary process technology, automated inspection, and a broad finishing portfolio.
- Real ownership from day one and a clear career path: Product Line Manager → Senior PLM / Operations Supervisor → Operations Manager → Plant Manager.
- Location: Toano, VA — close to Colonial Williamsburg and the Hampton Roads area.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Work is primarily on the manufacturing floor with some office time.
- Standing/walking: ~50% | Sitting: ~30% | Climbing/moving: ~20%
- Lifting/pushing/pulling: up to ~25 lbs.
- Noise up to 85 dB; heat up to ~100°F (ventilated); cold 40–50°F in designated areas.
- Atmospheric exposures vary by line (plating chemistry, cutting fluids, metallic particulate); appropriate PPE is provided and required.
Post-Offer Requirements
- National criminal background and sex offender registry check.
- Drug screen and physical exam.
- Verification of U.S. Person status per ITAR (22 C.F.R. Parts 120–130).
- Additional access or security screening may apply for specific defense/firearms programs.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range