Manufacturing Operations Manager

Hours:

Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Compensation:

$60,000 - $80,000 (Based on Experience)

Reports To:

Brad Sisco

Position Summary

Jackson Kayak is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Operations Manager to help strengthen and scale manufacturing operations across our family of premium outdoor recreation brands.

This role is ideal for a proven manufacturing leader who combines strong operational leadership with experience in composites or other labor-intensive manufacturing environments. The successful candidate will be responsible for improving productivity, quality, process consistency, and employee development while helping build the operational systems and leadership bench needed to support long-term growth.

We are looking for someone who enjoys being on the production floor, working alongside supervisors and employees, solving problems, identifying bottlenecks, reducing scrap and rework, developing standard operating procedures, and creating sustainable manufacturing systems.

Our manufacturing operations combine skilled craftsmanship with modern manufacturing practices. Success in this role requires the ability to balance people, process, quality, and production while leading continuous improvement efforts in a practical, hands-on manner.

This position offers a unique opportunity to make an immediate impact while helping shape the future of manufacturing operations across multiple product lines and brands.

Key Objectives

Operational Excellence

Improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance across manufacturing operations.

Reduce scrap, rework, process variation, and production bottlenecks.

Increase throughput and labor productivity while maintaining quality standards.

Establish sustainable operational systems that support growth and scalability.

Leadership Development

Develop supervisors, team leaders, and high-potential employees.

Build bench strength and succession plans for critical operational roles.

Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Lead through coaching, mentorship, and example.

Process Standardization

Develop and implement SOPs, standardized work, visual controls, and training systems.

Reduce dependence on tribal knowledge by creating repeatable, documented processes.

Improve process consistency and manufacturing discipline across departments.

Continuous Improvement

Implement practical Lean manufacturing principles including 5S, visual management, material flow improvements, standard work, and waste reduction.

Lead improvement initiatives that deliver measurable gains in productivity, quality, safety, and cost.

Drive sustainable improvements through employee engagement and structured problem-solving.

Primary Responsibilities

Manufacturing Leadership

Lead daily manufacturing activities to achieve production, quality, safety, and delivery objectives.

Partner with supervisors and department leaders to identify and remove barriers to performance.

Monitor key performance indicators including productivity, scrap, rework, labor efficiency, schedule attainment, and quality performance.

Support capacity planning, resource allocation, and production scheduling efforts.

Team Development

Coach and mentor supervisors, leads, and frontline employees.

Create development plans for emerging leaders.

Promote accountability while maintaining a positive and respectful work environment.

Help build a culture focused on operational excellence and continuous learning.

Process Improvement

Identify bottlenecks and implement sustainable corrective actions.

Lead root cause analysis and structured problem-solving efforts.

Improve workflow, material movement, workplace organization, and process flow.

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JACKSON KAYAK INC

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Manufacturing Operations Manager