Job Description

Operations Manager

Department: Manufacturing

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Setting: In Office, Franklin Park

Who are we?

Thermon is a diversified technology company and a global leader in industrial process heating, temperature maintenance, environmental monitoring and temporary power distribution solutions. We deliver engineered solutions that enhance operational awareness, safety, reliability and efficiency to deliver the lowest total cost of ownership.

Thermon offers over 250 products, software and services across multiple brands, providing a range of offerings from boilers, transportation heaters, and liquid load banks to tubing bundles and heat trace. We are the silent guardians of critical infrastructure. From the relentless demands of chemical plants and the intricate networks of rail and transit to the vital pulse of power generation, we innovate solutions that ensure optimal operation, protect critical assets, and maximize efficiency.

We care deeply about the success of our customers, the well-being of our people, and the reliability of every product we design. This drives our unwavering commitment to safety and integrity in everything we do. Through collaboration, we unite a rich legacy of expertise with a trusted global team, partnering side-by-side with our customers. We transfer the warmth needed to make life work.

Located in Franklin Park, IL a few minutes northwest of Chicago, Vapor Power International, LLC is an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of steam generators and thermal fluid heaters. Custom engineered-to-order, their products serve a broad range of markets from food processing to petrochemical applications. Founded in the early 1900’s, Vapor Power has grown from a small supplier of heating products for the railroad industry to one of the most regarded suppliers of specialty equipment for steam generation and process heating.

What is the opportunity?

Reporting to the General Manager & Director, VPI, the Manager, Operations will lead the manufacturing operations of Vapor Power and collaborate as a key leadership member of the team managing our operations to meet challenging organizational budgets and schedule targets for manufacturing projects. In addition, this role will oversee an organization of 30+ employees including Production, Planning, Warehouse, Purchasing, Automation Engineering, Engineering and Design for the location of responsibility. Grow with us! Our customers look to us for larger and more complex product solutions. Enjoy respect and recognition for your contributions as we continue to provide our customers with best-in-class energy solutions! Experience autonomy and open dialogue with senior managers and make an immediate impact!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accountable to manage daily operations, production, engineering design and automation engineering personnel while maintaining a safe, organized environment to produce quality products efficiently and on time adhering to Thermon's Quality Policy.
• Manage supervisors, leads, and professional employees, responsible for safety, performance and attendance.
• Lead efforts to develop new process technology to support the manufacturing of existing products and implement new product designs into production.
• Monitor backlog and assure production and planning activities are tended to on a timely basis.
• Establish production schedules to ensure optimal efficiency.
• Remain current, abide by, and assure all other personnel follow company procedures and manufacturing specifications.
• Optimize process flow to maximize throughput and productivity.
• Drive optimization of inventory and continuous improvements
• Develop, manage, and improve main KPIs.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures to assure quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Recommend and implement improvement of procedures and changes within product lines.
• Monitor capacity to assure adequate staff is available and consult with management to assure a balanced workforce is maintained
• Monitor inventory and direct corrections in ERP to maintain accurate data.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment. Perform other duties as assigned, based on workload and business needs.
• Monitor production variances and determine root causes.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

The above are considered essential duties and are illustrative of those job tasks, which are fundamental. Employees may be required to perform additional related duties as may be assigned by management. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Participates in the recruitment, hiring, and training of manufacturing employees.
• Participates in scheduling and assignments for the division.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Participates in the handling of discipline and termination recommendations of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, preferably in business administration or in a pertinent technical field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing management experience, preferably in a team-based environment, managing personnel and having responsibility in hiring and participating in disciplinary decisions.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles.
• Ability to lead cross-functional process improvement teams.
• Comprehension of root cause analysis techniques (Preferred)
• Understanding the application of Preventive Maintenance and OEE. (Preferred)
• Capability to read, interpret and improve product designs. (Preferred)

Skills and Abilities:

• Models Thermon’s 3 C’s Care, Commit and Collaborate
• Recognizes strong principles of leadership, customer service, professionalism, and confidentiality to all clients.
• Able to use production software application
• Ability to work effectively with minimal direct supervision (i.e. self-directed).
• Skilled at planning, estimating and reporting.
• Superior analytical problem-solving skills, attention to detail and quality.
• Demonstrated knowledge of product manufacturing sequences and capabilities.
• Ability to deal with a diverse workforce along with demonstration of valuing teamwork.
• Value meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing or walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate all areas in the facility.
• Must be able to quickly traverse manufacturing areas.
• Must be able to stand, bend, crawl, stretch, lay, and squat in order to maintain equipment.

**Work Environment:

**This position regularly works in a typical warehouse environment, including being near moving mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles. Most of their time, the Manager, Operations will spend time in the plant with low to moderate exposure to noise, heat, and cold environment. Steel toe shoes, earplugs, and safety glasses are always required while on the production floor.

Benefits:

• Bonus eligibility.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision.
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
• 401k with Company Match.
• Paid Time Off.

**Equal Opportunity Statement:

**Vapor Power International, LLC and VPI Precision Boilers, LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Candidates applying for this job opening must be legally authorized to work in the United States and are required to have US residency at the time of application. OPT or H1B Visa Sponsorship is not currently available for this opportunity.

You should be proficient in:

• Preventive Maintenance & Inspection
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• ISO 9001 Certification Experience
• Operational Metrics & KPI Management
• Root Cause Analysis