Operations Manager

Operations Manager | Manufacturing

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An established specialty materials and chemical manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead refining operations and drive safety, quality, productivity, and financial performance at a manufacturing facility in Buffalo, NY.

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This is a leadership-focused opportunity for someone who can combine operational expertise with continuous improvement, people leadership, and strategic execution.

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Key Responsibilities:

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• Lead day-to-day refining operations across chemical, thermal, and mechanical processes.
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• Drive a strong culture of safety, quality, accountability, and operational excellence.
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• Implement Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles to reduce waste and improve process efficiency.
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• Use fact-based analysis and structured problem-solving to identify and eliminate operational issues.
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• Partner cross-functionally with Quality, R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders to support new product introductions and manufacturing initiatives.
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• Lead, mentor, and develop operations teams, including succession planning and employee development.
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• Establish operational goals, priorities, staffing plans, and performance expectations aligned with business objectives.
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• Oversee manufacturing schedules and capacity planning based on production forecasts and customer requirements.
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• Drive corrective and preventive actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
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• Develop and maintain clear operational procedures, training programs, and accountability standards.
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Qualifications:

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• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
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• 5–7+ years of leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
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• Strong experience leading manufacturing or production operations.
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• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
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• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, 5S, or structured problem-solving methodologies preferred.
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• Strong cross-functional leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
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Location: Buffalo, NY

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Industry: Specialty Materials / Chemical Manufacturing

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Salary: $101,400–$162,000 base salary, depending on experience and qualifications.

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This opportunity is well suited to an operations leader who enjoys working in a hands-on manufacturing environment while driving long-term improvements in people, processes, and performance.