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SUMMARY
The Site Launch & Operations Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end launch and relocation of a new manufacturing facility. This individual will be fully dedicated to planning, coordination, execution, and operational startup activities for the new site while working cross-functionally across operations, engineering, supply chain, IT, EHS, quality, HR, & external partners.
This role will initially function as the relocation and startup leader responsible for delivering the facility on time, within budget, and operationally ready for production. Upon successful completion of the project, the position is expected to transition into a Plant Manager leadership role with responsibility for ongoing site operations.
This person must be willing to operate as both a hands-on project leader during facility startup and a strategic operational leader focused on long-term success, scalability, & culture of the site.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
- Lead all phases of the new facility launch and relocation project, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, execution, operational startup, production ramp-up, and stabilization.
- Serve as primary cross-functional leader coordinating operations, engineering, facilities, supply chain, quality, EHS, HR, IT, contractors, equipment suppliers, and external partners.
- Manage facility readiness activities including equipment relocation & installation, plant layout, material flow, commissioning, staffing readiness, inventory movement, and production startup.
- Drive project execution through development and management of timelines, capital budgets, risk mitigation plans, contractor/vendor coordination, and executive status reporting to ensure the project remains on schedule and within budget.
- Support implementation of operational systems and continuous improvement initiatives including preventive maintenance, manufacturing workflows, ERP/MRP integration, safety systems, Lean Manufacturing, and KPI development.
- Lead workforce development initiatives by partnering with community colleges, workforce development organizations, and economic development agencies to support recruiting, technical training, onboarding, apprenticeship programs, and long-term workforce readiness.
- Help establish the operational culture, leadership structure, accountability systems, and performance expectations for the new facility while positioning the site for long-term growth and operational excellence.
- Transition into ongoing site leadership responsibilities upon successful completion of the facility launch, with the expectation of moving into a Plant Manager role.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each ESSENTIAL DUTY satisfactorily. The list below is representative of knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, Project Management, Manufacturing, or related field.
- Master’s degree in engineering, Operations, or Business is preferred.
Experience
- 7+ years of leadership experience within manufacturing, operations, engineering, facilities, maintenance, or plant management environments.
- Proven experience leading large-scale manufacturing projects, facility expansions, equipment installations, or plant relocations.
- Strong project management experience that includes scheduling, contractor coordination, and cross-functional execution.
- Strong experience working in metal machining industrial manufacturing environments, metal fabrication, with hands-on experience with production operations management, or related industrial experience is required.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, facilities, maintenance, safety, and production workflows.
Leadership Competencies
- Strong ability to lead through influence and accountability rather than direct control.
- Ability to operate effectively within fast-changing environments and make sound decisions with incomplete information.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- High urgency with structured execution.
- Collaborative but decisive leadership style.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience launching or relocating a manufacturing facility.
- PMP certification or formal project management training.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing software implementation.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk / listen. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to work in a state of constant alertness and in a safe manner.
- Travel between existing facilities, vendors, contractors, training partners, and the new facility location is required during the project phase.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Office, manufacturing and warehouse work areas. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, machinery, tools, and more. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate depending on the scope of work.
Carel is an equal opportunity employer.
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