Manufacturing Operations Manager

Job Title: Manufacturing Operations Manager
Location: Gaffney, SC
Industry: Advanced Manufacturing | Renewable Energy
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site
Salary Range: $125,000 – $180,000 annually
Travel: Extensive during startup but tapering as plant is completed

About the Role

A confidential manufacturing site in Ohio is seeking a seasoned Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead 24/7 plant operations for a high-tech, thin-film photovoltaic production facility. This role oversees safety, compliance, production, engineering, maintenance, and cost performance—driving operational excellence and continuous improvement across all shifts.

You’ll manage a team of Area Managers and own the integration of manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance functions. If you’ve led large-scale operations, optimized throughput, and built high-performing teams in a manufacturing environment—this is your next challenge.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across module manufacturing, ensuring safety, quality, throughput, and cost targets are met.
• Drive compliance with ISO, RBA, and local regulatory standards.
• Manage bottlenecks using OEE metrics (uptime, MTTR, yield) and Theory of Constraints principles.
• Champion 5S and housekeeping standards to maintain a world-class environment.
• Collaborate with engineering and technology teams to implement new processes and equipment.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using DMAIC and Kaizen methodologies.
• Develop and execute training programs to upskill associates and standardize competencies.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and succession planning for key team members.
• Serve as backup to the Head of Module Operations when needed.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (MBA or Master of Engineering a plus).
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience, including 2+ years in a supervisory role.
• OR: 8+ years of managerial experience in high-tech manufacturing without a degree.
• OR: 10+ years of technical manufacturing experience in lieu of formal education.
• Preferred experience in PV module assembly, glass, lamination, robotics/PLC, adhesives, or packaging systems.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and team development abilities.
• Safety-first mindset with proven compliance experience.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, TOC, and continuous improvement.
• Technical fluency in manufacturing equipment and process troubleshooting.
• Solid understanding of inventory control and production planning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and manufacturing systems.

Ready to lead high-impact manufacturing operations in a cutting-edge environment? Apply now and help shape the future of renewable energy—one module at a time. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly a Primestaff recruiter for initial screening.