Operation Manager

As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward thinking, open-minded and well-rounded individuals to join our global team. Located in our Columbia, MO plant, you will be an Operations Manager.

The Operations Manager is a hands-on leader who partners with the Plant Manager to drive day-to-day manufacturing operations and set the tone for performance, safety, and accountability. This role leads and develops teams, drives continuous improvement, and delivers strong results across safety, quality, production, and cost while consistently meeting or exceeding corporate expectations.

• Oversees the full rubber compounding production process, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing using industrial equipment such as Banbury mixers, mills, and material handling systems.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate all manufacturing operations to ensure alignment with company goals, safety standards, quality expectations, and customer requirements.
• Provide accountability for site safety, quality, production performance, profitability, and cost-reduction objectives.
• Lead, develop, and supervise the leadership team, including managers, supervisors, support staff, and hourly production employees.
• Create, manage, and approve manufacturing business plans, including labor forecasting, staffing levels, cycle times, production costs, and program execution.
• Prepare, analyze, and review operational data and reports related to labor, scrap, production efficiency, cost performance, inventory controls, and product quality; drive corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor production costs and operating results, adjusting processes and resources to maintain profitability and operational efficiency.
• Ensure a safe, compliant work environment by adhering to all legal, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and suppliers to optimize production flow, resource utilization, and delivery performance.
• Champion continuous improvement and high-performance teams to support operational excellence and long-term site success.

• Bachelor's degree required; Operations Management, Business Administration or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing, operations, or materials management environment -required
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in rubber, polymer, or chemical compounding manufacturing -preferred
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including planning, organizing, decision-making, influencing, conflict resolution, and team motivation.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills,
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills preferred.
• Knowledge of Health, Safety, and Environmental standards, with a passion for building and enforcing a strong safety culture.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and manage in a fast-paced environments.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship

• Full-Time
• Bonus Eligible
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options:
  
  
  
  • Benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
  
  
  
  
• Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation, additionally 8 sick days
• 11 paid holidays
• 401(k): company matching up to 6%
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts