Operations Manager

Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) designs, develops, and manufactures advanced composite components in order to help our customers push the frontiers of innovation. Our core strength is our ability to produce highly tailored, complex composite components. With our unique blend of products – including 3D woven structures, traditional and non-traditional 2D composite structures, and discrete through thickness reinforcement technologies, to name a few – AEC is able to produce composite components and products which meet performance and cost specifications often beyond the reach of metallic or conventional laminated composites.

Job Purpose

The Operations Manager oversees all aspects of production planning, manufacturing operations, and product shipment to ensure a safe, efficient, and customer ‑ focused environment. This role drives operational excellence and continuous improvement across assigned production areas or value streams. The Operations Manager leads and develops employees, ensures high performance through lean practices, and achieves KPI goals.

In performing their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to adhere to Albany’s current values: Albany Wins Together, Count on Each Other, Own Your Actions, Care About Each Other, and Share Your Enthusiasm. Safety must always come first; we never compromise on safety for the sake of achieving another objective. Employees are also responsible for the health and safety of themselves and each other.

Key Responsibilities

Safety Leadership

Champion a culture where safety is the highest priority.

Ensure compliance with all company safety programs, OSHA requirements, audits, hazard identification, and safe work practices.

Maintain a safe work environment for all employees.

Operational Execution

Direct day ‑ to ‑ day production activities to meet operational KPI goals.

Execute production plans, ensuring timely delivery of products to customers.

Manage labor, equipment, material resources, and staffing levels for efficient operations.

Drive adherence to cycle times, standard work, uptime targets, and productivity goals.

Leadership & Talent Development

Lead, coach, and develop direct and indirect employees.

Oversee staffing, hiring, performance management, and succession planning in accordance with HR policies.

Promote high employee engagement, cross ‑ training, capability building, and elimination of single ‑ point failures.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Implementation

Implement and drive lean manufacturing methods including 5S, visual management, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis.

Identify and implement process improvements in partnership with Engineering, CI, Quality, and Program Management.

Champion TPM activities, process audits, and operational documentation (FMEA, control plans, standard work).

Customer Focus & Cross ‑ Functional Collaboration

Ensure all customer requirements are met through effective planning and execution.

Interface with customers as needed to support program or production objectives.

Collaborate closely with Engineering, Planning, Quality, Program Management, Customer Operations, HR, and other support functions.

Financial & Performance Management

Achieve business plan performance and production budget targets.

Maintain accurate ERP/SAP transactions, time charging, and labor usage.

Monitor KPIs and lead regular tier meetings focused on SQDCT performance.

Strategic & New Product Introduction Support

Support or lead new product and process launches, ensuring readiness, documentation, and scheduled execution within budget.

Develop and maintain capacity models for assigned processes or areas.

Collaboration and On-Site Presence

Frequent ad hoc meetings to troubleshoot and identify solutions

On-demand availability to strategize with cross-functional teams