Operations Manager

Operations Manager PSW Group is a leading magnesium and aluminum manufacturer advancing nonferrous metal technologies. We are investing in a state-of-the-art Advanced Casting Technology Development Center to expand high-pressure and vacuum die casting, semi-solid casting, and other aluminum and magnesium casting technologies. The center will develop casting solutions for automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and other light-metal industries. We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager with high-pressure die casting (HPDC) knowledge and demonstrated manufacturing leadership. This role will establish operational readiness during startup and then lead safe, reliable, and cost-effective daily operations across development trials, prototype builds, and production programs as they are introduced. The role reports to the senior leader responsible for the center and directly supervises assigned production supervisors, operators, and technicians. It coordinates with Engineering, Plant Management, Maintenance, HR and Supply Chain to deliver agreed schedules and operating targets. The position begins with an 18-month assignment in Bellevue, Ohio. Following that assignment, the position will be permanently based in Chicago, Illinois, with travel to support project needs. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Production Readiness - Startup & New Program Launch Lead the operational readiness plan for the center, with defined staffing, training, documentation, equipment readiness, and launch milestones. Track risks and open actions through startup and the transition to routine operations. Define operating requirements for new casting machines, furnaces, robotics, and auxiliary equipment. Participate in layout, material flow, installation, commissioning, and acceptance reviews with Engineering, Maintenance, and project owners. Build and qualify the operating team before equipment and program launches. Confirm that work instructions, safety procedures, maintenance access, tooling, materials, and support resources are ready for use. Coordinate development trials and prototype builds with R&D; and Engineering. Provide trained personnel and equipment availability, capture operating results, and turn approved lessons into repeatable operating practices. Participate in design for manufacturing reviews and provide production input on casting feasibility, tooling access, handling, cycle time, staffing, and maintainability. Support Engineering-led process development, capability studies, and validation. Own the production part approval process (PPAP), including submission planning, documentation, production records, trial execution, and evidence of process capability and operational readiness. Coordinate supporting inputs and customer approvals, and close launch actions before production release. `Production & Team Management - Ongoing Operations Direct daily casting operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. Translate approved project and customer requirements into achievable daily and weekly operating plans. Plan staffing, machine capacity, shift coverage, and work assignments. Coordinate trial and production priorities with Engineering and project stakeholders, and resolve competing demands on equipment and personnel. Execute the operating schedule; identify constraints early, escalate resource gaps, and implement recovery plans for missed output or milestones. Confirm readiness of materials, tooling, equipment, and trained personnel Lead daily performance reviews and shift handoffs. Assign corrective actions, establish completion dates, and verify that recurring operating problems are resolved. Establish and improve relevant measures such as schedule attainment, throughput, first-pass yield, scrap, rework, downtime, labor productivity, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Report results and recovery actions to management; use trial-specific milestones during development work. Manage labor utilization, overtime, consumable…

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