Operations Manager - Precision Manufacturing

About ABTech

ABTech is a leading manufacturer of ultra-precision motion systems and components serving the aerospace, semiconductor, optics, metrology, and machine tool industries. We partner with industry-leading OEMs to develop and manufacture highly engineered solutions for demanding applications where precision, quality, and reliability are essential.

At ABTech, our commitment to Pride in Precision extends beyond the products we manufacture. We believe our people are the foundation of our success and have built a collaborative, team-oriented culture that encourages accountability, continuous improvement, innovation, and professional growth.

As we continue to expand our capabilities and support growing OEM programs, we are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to help lead our manufacturing organization and contribute to our long-term success.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing ABTech's manufacturing operations to achieve safe, high-quality, cost-effective, and on-time delivery of our precision products.

This position provides leadership to Production Supervision, Production Control, and Production Scheduling while coordinating resources, improving manufacturing processes, and ensuring our operations are aligned with customer commitments and business objectives.

As a member of ABTech's Leadership Team, the Operations Manager plays an important role in developing our people, strengthening our operating systems, improving profitability, and building the manufacturing capabilities necessary to support sustainable growth.

The ideal candidate combines strong manufacturing knowledge with effective leadership, sound business judgment, and a genuine commitment to developing people and improving processes.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop manufacturing personnel and operational leaders, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear priorities, performance expectations, and measurable objectives across manufacturing operations.
• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Sales, Finance, and company leadership to support operational and business goals.

Production Planning & On-Time Delivery

• Oversee production scheduling, workflow, and manufacturing priorities to meet customer delivery commitments.
• Monitor production performance, identify potential delays or capacity constraints, and implement effective solutions.
• Ensure the effective coordination of materials, equipment, personnel, and production resources.

Manufacturing Efficiency & Cost Management

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve productivity, throughput, quality, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Monitor and manage key operating costs, including labor utilization, overtime, rework, scrap, and machine downtime.
• Use performance data and operational metrics to drive informed decisions and measurable improvements.

Capacity Planning & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate current and future manufacturing capacity to support increasing customer demand.
• Develop recommendations for staffing, equipment, process improvements, and capital investments.
• Lead initiatives that improve manufacturing flow, standardization, resource utilization, and operational effectiveness.
• Support the transition of new products and prototypes into repeatable, sustainable production processes.

Quality, Safety & Equipment Readiness

• Promote a safe, organized, and quality-focused manufacturing environment.
• Coordinate with Engineering and Quality personnel to ensure customer requirements and manufacturing standards are consistently achieved.
• Oversee equipment readiness, preventive maintenance priorities, and manufacturing facility needs.
• Support systematic problem-solving and corrective actions to prevent recurring issues.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years in manufacturing and 3+ years experience leading manufacturing operations, production teams, or manufacturing departments.
• Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to develop people, build accountability, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing operational performance through measurable KPIs, cost controls, and production metrics.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and leadership levels.
• A hands-on, proactive leadership approach with a commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in precision machining, CNC manufacturing, grinding, assembly, or other high-precision manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with low-volume, high-mix manufacturing and engineered-to-order products.
• Experience supporting OEM customers and transitioning new products from prototype development into production.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies, and manufacturing process optimization.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems, production scheduling, and manufacturing performance reporting.
• Experience participating in capital equipment planning, manufacturing expansion, or capacity development.
• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

What We're Looking For

Beyond technical experience, we're looking for a leader who shares our commitment to people, precision, and continuous improvement.

Our ideal candidate:

• Leads by example, develops others, and takes ownership of results.
• Balances customer commitments, employee needs, quality, and business performance.
• Approaches challenges with curiosity, sound judgment, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Communicates openly, listens effectively, and builds strong working relationships.
• Recognizes opportunities for improvement and can turn ideas into practical, sustainable results.
• Values integrity, accountability, teamwork, and a positive workplace culture.

Why Join ABTech?

At ABTech, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing, established precision manufacturing company.

You'll work alongside an experienced and collaborative team, contribute directly to business decisions, help develop our manufacturing capabilities, and play an important role in supporting long-term relationships with leading OEM customers.

We believe that investing in our people, equipment, and processes is essential to our continued success. Our culture is built around supporting one another, learning, improving, and taking pride in the work we do.

If you're a manufacturing leader who enjoys developing people, solving complex operational challenges, and building effective manufacturing systems, we'd welcome the opportunity to meet you.