Production & Operations Manager

Job Title: Production & Operations Manager

Job Description

We are seeking a hands-on Production & Operations Manager to help transform and scale a highly technical manufacturing operation as we expand toward a 24-hour, 5-day production model. This role is ideal for someone who is a builder, who enjoys creating structure where it doesn"t yet exist, developing people, improving processes, solving operational challenges, and helping grow an organization through its next stage of development. You will have the opportunity to shape the future operating model of the business, build frontline leadership capability, and drive measurable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Productivity (SQDIP).

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations across multiple shifts.
• Develop and coach production supervisors and manufacturing teams.
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Improve throughput, on-time delivery, and labor productivity.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Commercial teams to translate customer demand into successful execution.
• Establish scalable operating systems, standard work, and performance management processes.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on SQDIP objectives.
• Help design and implement the leadership structure required for a growing 24/5 operation.

Essential Skills

• 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Bachelor"s degree in Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience leading production teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of production scheduling, material flow, workforce development, and operational metrics.
• Demonstrated success implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• A hands-on leader who enjoys being on the production floor.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting multi-shift operations is preferred.
• Financial and budgeting experience.

Work Environment

This position is based in a 24-hour, 5-day-a-week facility. You will work standard core business hours onsite, while also expected to visit 2nd and 3rd shifts as needed. You will manage a team of 18 and assist in hiring talent for process engineering supervisors. The shift hours are: 1st shift - 7 AM to 3:30 PM, 2nd shift - 3 PM to 11:30 PM, 3rd shift - 11 PM to 7:30 AM.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Columbia, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

The Production & Operations Manager position is eligible for our Manager Bonus Scheme, which includes a target bonus opportunity of 10% of base salary, measured against overall Group performance. Our benefits package includes: Up to a 3% company match on the 401(k) plan, with employer contributions becoming vested after one year of service. 12 days of paid time off (PTO) annually. 8 days of paid sick leave annually. 10 paid holidays, plus an additional floating holiday and birthday leave. Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective on the first day of the month following 29 days of employment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Columbia, MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbia,MD.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.