Operations Manager

Nashville, TN

Lead a Large-Scale Manufacturing Operation. Build Teams. Drive Performance.

A well-established and growing manufacturing organization is seeking an Operations Manager to lead a major production operation in the Nashville area.

This is an opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing leader who wants more than simply managing production. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping plant performance, developing leadership talent, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and influencing the future direction of a large-scale operation.

If you enjoy leading through people, solving operational challenges, and creating a culture of accountability and excellence, this role offers both the scope and visibility to make a significant impact.

Significant Leadership Responsibility

You’ll provide leadership for a manufacturing organization of more than 150 employees through a team of managers and operational leaders. This position offers meaningful influence over plant performance, employee development, safety, quality, and operational strategy.

Opportunity to Drive Change

The organization is committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence. This role provides the autonomy to identify opportunities, implement improvements, and lead initiatives that create measurable business results.

Strategic Impact

This is more than a production management position. You’ll partner closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to help drive operational priorities, capital planning, workforce development, and long-term business objectives.

Develop Future Leaders

The organization places a strong emphasis on leadership development and succession planning. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor managers, strengthen organizational capability, and build high-performing teams that deliver sustainable results.

Stable Business with Long-Term Growth

The company operates within an established manufacturing environment that combines operational stability with ongoing investment in people, technology, and process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations for a large production facility
• Drive performance across safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency metrics
• Develop and coach manufacturing leaders and frontline management teams
• Establish operational priorities and ensure execution against business objectives
• Manage budgets, capital projects, and resource planning
• Champion lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Build strong cross-functional relationships across operations, engineering, supply chain, customer service, and commercial teams
• Develop succession plans and strengthen organizational capability
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and operational excellence

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Engineering or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience with increasing levels of responsibility
• Experience leading large teams in a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of operational metrics, budgeting, and plant performance management
• Proven success developing leaders and building high-performing teams
• Demonstrated experience driving continuous improvement initiatives
• Excellent communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Experience

• Plastics manufacturing or extrusion experience
• Lean manufacturing leadership
• Multi-department operational leadership
• Capital project management

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a visible, engaged leader who is comfortable on the plant floor, confident in front of executive leadership, and passionate about developing people. They understand how to balance operational discipline with employee engagement and are energized by the challenge of improving performance while building strong teams.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader seeking a highly visible role with significant influence, growth potential, and the ability to make a lasting impact.