Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Together, we save lives.

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading day-to-day manufacturing operations within a ballistic and hard armor production facility. This role is accountable for effective Operating Model deployment, finished goods quality, and on-time delivery. The Operations Manager partners with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and EHS to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations while driving continuous improvement and team accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily production execution across assigned lines, cells, or value streams.
• Own performance to the production plan, including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity targets.
• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and development to Production Supervisors.
• Ensure consistent deployment of the Operating Model, including standard work, visual management, tiered daily meetings, and structured problem-solving.
• Partner with Quality to investigate non-conformances and drive root cause corrective actions.
• Maintain compliance with applicable customer requirements, industry standards (e.g., NIJ or equivalent), and internal quality systems.
• Promote and sustain a strong safety culture through visible leadership, audits, and corrective actions.
• Ensure on-time delivery through effective scheduling, labor planning, and capacity management.
• Identify and manage constraints, bottlenecks, and material availability risks.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Engineering to resolve shortages, changes, and production disruptions.
• Use metrics and data to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead Kaizen events and improvement projects focused on throughput, quality, labor efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Set performance expectations and hold team accountable for results.
• Partner with HR on hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee relations.
• Foster collaboration, accountability, and clear communication across production teams and functional partners.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, including direct leadership of supervisors.
• Demonstrated experience improving on-time delivery and finished goods quality.
• Strong working knowledge of Operating Model / Lean manufacturing principles.
• Proven problem-solving and decision-making skills in a production environment.
• Experience in ballistic armor, composites, defense, aerospace, or similarly regulated manufacturing preferred.
• Experience working in environments with strict quality, traceability, and customer compliance requirements.

Key Competencies

• Results-driven and execution-focused
• Strong people leadership and coaching skills
• Clear, direct communicator
• Comfort operating in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
• Continuous improvement mindset

Physical & Work Environment

• Regular presence on the manufacturing floor.
• Ability to work around industrial equipment, materials, and PPE requirements.
• Occasional extended hours or off-shift support based on production needs.

Why work at Safariland?

At Safariland our colleagues are some of the best and brightest in the industry and we are seeking new team members who exhibit the diverse competencies that will drive The Safariland Group to even greater success while maintaining our culture of being a great place to work. We believe innovation drives winning performance and we constantly challenge ourselves to be the very best in every aspect of our business. We cultivate a work culture driven by our 4 core values; integrity, curiosity, excellence, and empowerment and we want associates to be involved in their work and communities so they can achieve their highest level of wellbeing. That is why Safariland offers a comprehensive suite of benefits to promote health and financial security for eligible employees and their families.

• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer paid life insurance and AD&D
• Employer paid disability
• Wellness program
• Adoption assistance
• Tuition assistance
• Employee assistance program
• Work life balance
• Paid time off (PTO), sick leave and paid holidays throughout the calendar year (consistent with relevant state law and company policies)

The Safariland Group believes in the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative actions. We pride ourselves on hiring and developing the best people, without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other legally recognized protected basis prohibited by applicable law. For those applicants with disabilities, if you require reasonable accommodation in searching for a job opening or submitting an application, please contact us by calling 888-469-6455. All employment decisions are solely based on the applicant's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position.