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Operations Manager

Norfolk Iron & Metal
1 day ago
Full-time
On-site
Durant, Iowa, United States

The Operations Manager is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing daily production and warehouse operations within a metals servicing environment. This position ensures safe, efficient, and high‑quality processing of metal products while driving a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate brings a strong vision for operational excellence, a passion for optimizing processes, and the ability to lead teams through change in a fast‑paced, customer‑driven industry. The operations manager will be responsible for all aspects of the operations department and will manage inventory, equipment and building, processes, employee development and cost measures within the department.

Operational Leadership

  • Lead all day‑to‑day operations including distribution, warehouse, and fabrication.
  • Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy, and on time delivery.
  • Monitor KPIs and operational metrics to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.

Process Improvement & Strategy

  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
  • Evaluate current workflows, equipment utilization, and material flow to reduce waste, increase throughput, and improve cost efficiency.
  • Develop and implement standardized operating procedures that enhance consistency and performance across shifts.

Safety & Compliance

  • Maintain a strong safety culture by enforcing OSHA standards, conducting regular audits, and ensuring proper training.
  • Oversee compliance with industry regulations, quality standards, and internal policies.

Team Development

  • Lead, coach, and mentor supervisors and frontline employees to build a high‑performing, engaged workforce.
  • Support workforce planning, including hiring, training, performance management, and succession planning.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Sales, Estimating, and Supply Chain teams to align operational capabilities with customer needs.
  • Work closely with Maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and proactive maintenance planning.
  • Support customer visits, audits, and technical discussions as needed.

Education and Experience:

  • 5+ years of operations or production management experience, ideally in metals servicing, manufacturing, or industrial processing.
  • Strong background in process improvement, with proven success implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or similar frameworks.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage change, and build operational discipline.
  • Solid understanding of metal processing equipment is preferred.
  • Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and decision‑making skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, customer‑centric environment.