Operational Manager

Operational Manager

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Whitsett, North Carolina

Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic and results-oriented Operational Manager to lead manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence at Lenovo's Whitsett facility. This role is responsible for overseeing production performance, workforce leadership, process optimization, quality, safety, and financial results while ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer commitments.

The ideal candidate brings extensive manufacturing leadership experience, a strong track record of operational improvement, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced production environment. This role partners closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and executive leadership to deliver operational efficiency, scalability, and sustainable business results.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations Leadership

• Lead and oversee all manufacturing operations to ensure achievement of production, quality, delivery, cost, and safety objectives.
• Direct daily production workflows, adjusting schedules, staffing, and resources to meet customer demand and operational requirements.
• Establish operational standards, manufacturing processes, and performance expectations that support business goals and operational excellence.
• Ensure efficient utilization of labor, equipment, materials, and manufacturing resources to maximize productivity and throughput.
• Serve as the senior operational leader for the facility, driving accountability and operational execution across production teams.

Workforce Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and manage manufacturing leaders and employees across operational functions.
• Establish performance objectives, conduct reviews, provide coaching, and support succession planning initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Promote employee engagement, workforce development, and leadership growth throughout the organization.
• Ensure appropriate staffing strategies and workforce planning to support production demands and business growth.

Operational Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Identify production bottlenecks, process inefficiencies, and cost-saving opportunities through data analysis and operational reviews.
• Establish, monitor, and drive accountability for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to productivity, quality, yield, safety, inventory, delivery performance, and financial results.
• Champion data-driven decision-making to improve operational performance and support strategic business objectives.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives that improve customer satisfaction, reduce waste, and lower operating costs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Strategic Execution

• Partner closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Program Management teams to ensure seamless production execution and product delivery.
• Support product launches, manufacturing readiness initiatives, process improvements, and operational change management activities.
• Align manufacturing capabilities and operational priorities with customer commitments and overall business strategy.
• Communicate operational performance, business risks, and improvement opportunities to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for program status, operational health, and business performance reporting.

Financial & Resource Management

• Develop, manage, and oversee operational budgets, resource allocation plans, and cost management initiatives.
• Drive financial performance through productivity improvements, cost reduction efforts, and efficient utilization of resources.
• Evaluate operational investments and resource requirements to support business growth and manufacturing objectives.
• Monitor operational spending and financial performance against established targets and forecasts.
• Partner with Finance and leadership teams to support planning, forecasting, and long-term operational strategies.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with OSHA requirements, environmental regulations, company policies, and industry standards.
• Promote and maintain a strong culture of workplace safety, operational discipline, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead safety initiatives, audits, inspections, and corrective action programs.
• Identify operational and business risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of operations.
• Maintain accountability for environmental, health, safety, and quality performance across the facility.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, production, or operations management.
• Experience leading large manufacturing teams and managing complex operational environments.
• Demonstrated success driving operational improvements, productivity gains, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Experience managing production planning, quality systems, operational metrics, and manufacturing performance.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA in Business Administration, Industrial Management, Operations Management, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other operational excellence certifications.
• Experience leading managers and multi-functional manufacturing organizations.
• Strong understanding of strategic planning, budget management, risk management, and resource allocation.
• Experience with ERP, MES, and manufacturing performance management systems.
• Experience presenting business performance, operational strategy, and financial results to executive leadership.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Manufacturing Operations Leadership
• Production Planning & Resource Allocation
• Strategic Operations Management
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma & Kaizen
• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
• KPI Development & Performance Management
• Financial & Budget Management
• Quality Systems & Compliance
• OSHA, Safety & Environmental Compliance
• Workforce Leadership & Talent Development
• Stakeholder & Executive Communication
• Supply Chain & Manufacturing Integration
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Risk Management & Business Continuity Planning
• Data Analysis & Performance Reporting
• Change Management & Organizational Effectiveness
• Process Optimization
• Customer & Program Management