Operations Manager

Position Summary The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Mace production and distribution facility in Cleveland, OH, including low-volume chemical manufacturing (blending and filling), product assembly, and warehouse operations. This is a hands-on, working manager role that combines operational leadership with execution of order fulfillment, facility management, production, and supplier management. The Operations Manager ensures production and warehouse activities are performed safely, efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with company standards and regulatory requirements, and works closely with Finance to develop and manage the operating budget and all spend related to the operation. The position leads a team of 1015 employees and is expected to build and maintain a culture focused on safety, compliance, quality, operational excellence, and people development. Essential Responsibilities Oversee production, assembly, and warehouse operations, including chemical blending (mix) and filling, product assembly and packaging, inventory management, receiving, put-away, picking, packing, shipping, and returns.Work with team to plan and schedule production runs based on customer demand, inventory levels, and material availability.Develop, maintain, and train employees on standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch records, and work instructions for blending, filling, assembly, and warehouse processes.Own the Mace compliance program, ensuring operations and products comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, DOT hazardous materials shipping, and state-specific product requirements).Accountable for production and warehouse productivity, accuracy, service levels, and operational efficiency.Ensure raw materials, chemicals, components, and finished goods are properly handled, labeled, stored, and maintained, including proper segregation and storage of flammable and hazardous materials.Support and collaborate with team responsible for purchase orders, supplier relationships, and maintain appropriate inventory levels of raw materials, components, and packaging.Identify operational issues and work with production and warehouse personnel and management to develop timely solutions.Conduct physical inventory and cycle counts, reconciliations, and investigations of inventory discrepancies.Accountable for ensuring production and warehouse processes and procedures are followed consistently.Ensure product quality through in-process and final inspections, batch documentation, lot traceability, and nonconformance and corrective action processes.Lead continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., 5S) designed to improve productivity, quality, cost, and service.Manage the facility and equipment preventive maintenance program, including blending, fill lines, assembly equipment, and material-handling equipment.Ensure production and warehouse equipment, work areas, and storage locations are maintained in a safe and organized condition.Partner with Finance to develop and manage the operating budget, control costs, and support accurate inventory valuation. People Leadership & Communication Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, and support to a team of 1015 production and warehouse employees.Hire, onboard, train, and develop employees; set clear expectations, conduct performance reviews, and address performance and conduct issues in partnership with HR.Cross-train employees to build flexibility across blending, filling, assembly, and warehouse functions.Communicate effectively with transportation providers, suppliers, customers, outside agencies, and management teams.Plan staffing, shift coverage, and workload based on production schedules, business volume, and operational needs.Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.Provide timely, constructive feedback on employee and vendor performance. Safety & Compliance Promote and maintain a safe working environment and ensure safety procedures are followed throughout production and warehouse areas.Identify potential safety hazards, take corrective action, and escalate concerns to the appropriate personnel as needed.Ensure operations are conducted in accordance with company policies and applicable safety requirements.Lead safety training, incident reporting, and corrective actions.Lead root cause analysis and develop corrective and preventive actions for all safety incidents and near misses.Maintain core safety programs, including hazard communication and Safety Data Sheets (SDS), personal protective equipment (PPE) and industrial truck (forklift) training.Maintain required safety, environmental, and regulatory records and serve as the site point of contact for regulatory inspections and audits Reporting & Administration Maintain accurate records related to production, inventory, supplier performance, and operational issues.Track and report operational and financial KPIs established with management (e.g., safety, on-time shipment, inventory accuracy, labor productivity, and budget performance).Prepare operational reports for management.Identify trends and provide recommendations to management based on operational data. Qualifications 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, or supply chain operations; experience in chemical, aerosol, or consumer products manufacturing strongly preferred.2+ years of supervisory or people-management experience required.Strong understanding of chemical blending and filling, assembly, warehouse processes, inventory management, shipping, and receiving.Working knowledge of OSHA regulations, hazard communication (GHS/SDS), and DOT hazardous materials shipping requirements; DOT hazmat certification a plus.Experience with continuous improvement methods.Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Strong communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to build productive working relationships with internal teams and external vendors.Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.Bachelors degree in operations management, supply chain, engineering, business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. Physical Requirements Ability to regularly walk and work throughout a manufacturing and warehouse environment.Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and maneuver around warehouse operations for extended periods.Ability to occasionally lift and move items up to 50 pounds.Ability to work around production and warehouse equipment, including forklifts and other material-handling equipment.Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and work in areas where chemicals and aerosol products are handled. Compensation Package Strong benefitsMultiple medical plans including HSA availability with company contributionsCompany-paid disability and life insurance coverageGenerous 401(k) matching