Operations Associate

Job Title: Operations Associate
Department: Operations
Reports To: Operations Manager

Position Overview:
The Operations Associate is responsible for overseeing the production process, ensuring that schedules are met, and deadlines are adhered to. This includes managing material and equipment availability, coordinating staff, monitoring production, and overseeing the shipping and receiving areas to ensure smooth operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate the production of company products to meet deadlines.
• Ensure the availability of raw materials and equipment for production.
• Schedule shifts and assign tasks to ensure proper coverage and prioritization.
• Monitor production costs to stay within budget.
• Provide regular production status updates and report issues to upper management.
• Resolve production disruptions and address productivity issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Use market forecasts to anticipate production adjustments.
• Supervise production and warehouse teams, providing training, guidance, and support.
• Manage staff timekeeping, time-off requests, and overtime.
• Recommend staffing levels and assist with hiring decisions.
• Foster and promote a work environment which models the core values of the company.
• Oversee inventory management, warehouse operations, and shipping processes.
• Coordinate the customer returns process and manage vendor relationships.
• Handle logistics for large retail orders, including external warehouse coordination and repackaging.
• Review purchase and customer orders for accuracy.
• Ensure successful installation of new manufacturing equipment.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators for production, material management, and quality control.
• Collaborate with the other departments to meet sales order production requirements.
• Assist with equipment operation and maintenance as needed.
• Take on special projects and additional tasks as directed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required with a concentration in an Operations related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment within a small company, with leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of production processes and quality control.
• Excellent math and analytical skills
• Proficient in material requirements and production planning
• Strong skills within Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Experience with business software (e.g., SAP).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple tasks.
• Supervisory and coaching skills to motivate teams effectively.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to read and interpret documents and instructions.
• Frequent use of hands, arms, and manual dexterity.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb, and twist for extended periods.
• Ability to use standard office equipment such as computer, mouse, keyboard, copier, etc. 
• Lifting up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to work shifts of 8 hours or more.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, noise, and dust.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally

Work Environment:

• Exposure to the conditions typical of a manufacturing or office environment, including noise, temperature fluctuations (35 to 100°F), and potential exposure to humidity, odors, and dust.
• Adherence to safety rules and regulations is required at all times.