Central Services Operations Leader

Job description

Job Description Summary

Lead central services operations (e.g., heat treatment, CMM, FPI, EDM) that support multiple product families and value streams. Deliver safe, high‑quality, on‑time services while ensuring fair and transparent prioritization across all sending cells. Build and maintain standard work, visual management, control plans, and skills coverage so the team performs consistently to plan and central processes are predictable and reliable.
Own the flow of parts through central services, managing WIP, capacity, and priorities in line with site needs. Guide daily execution and problem solving, align labor and equipment to the schedule, and implement corrective actions that protect performance in safety, quality, delivery, inventory, productivity, and lead time. Lead visual management, lead time reduction, and lean/continuous improvement activities. Coach the team, sustain improvements through audits, and escalate constraints through the Tier structure to ensure reliable outcomes for internal customers.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

·  Lead and manage frontline central services employees; handle staffing, performance development, training, cross‑training, and shift coverage across all special processes (heat treat, FPI, CMM, EDM).
·  Own the flow of parts through central services using clear, agreed prioritization rules; manage WIP, queues, and lead times with strong visual management to provide predictable, fair service to all sending cells.
·  Ensure a feasible central services plan aligned to KPI targets and customer need dates; coordinate closely with Production, Purchasing, Material Planning, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance.
·  Ensure EHS compliance and adherence to special process controls; create, train, and improve standard work; solve process and equipment issues using sound technical judgment and data from systems such as Oracle and Maximo.
·  Analyze and reduce non‑conformances related to central services; maintain robust control plans and support new product/new process introductions so methods and documentation are ready before launch.
·  Verify monthly timesheets; organize vacations and days off; resolve labor issues with supervisors/HR; review and approve vouchers.
·  Plan and run improvement projects focused on flow, lead time, quality, productivity, and equipment utilization; lead Daily Management (tier boards, KPIs, audits, escalation) and apply Lean/FLIGHT DECK tools to drive a strong continuous improvement culture.
·  Support capacity planning and investment proposals for central services, and coordinate implementation and commissioning of new equipment or capabilities.

Job Qualifications

·  An Operator in current classification (or equivalent deep technical experience in relevant central services/special processes).
·  Advanced experience in manufacturing and production supervision, preferably including experience in special processes such as heat treatment, CMM inspection, FPI, or EDM.
·  Demonstrated strong lean background, with practical experience using lean management tools to drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
·  Education comparable to a bachelor’s degree or a high school diploma with relevant experience in manufacturing operations, special processes, or industrial leadership.

Desired Characteristics

·  Experience in manufacturing operations and/or central services, with strong understanding of shared-resource environments and their impact on lead time and delivery.
·  Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills; able to clearly communicate priorities and status, influence small teams, and balance fairness across multiple internal customers.
·  Proven problem-solving and technical troubleshooting skills in special processes and equipment, including root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions.
·  Demonstrated FLIGHT DECK/Lean experience, including use of 5S, visual management, standard work, and continuous improvement tools; able to design and sustain effective visual management for WIP, queues, and equipment status.
·  Strong project and time management skills; able to coordinate multiple improvement projects, capacity changes, and equipment initiatives in a high‑mix, shared‑service environment.
·  Comfort with data and systems (Oracle, Maximo, Microsoft Office, and related manufacturing/quality systems) to manage WIP, capacity, maintenance, and performance.
·  Strong technical knowledge of central services technologies and equipment (e.g., heat treat furnaces, CMMs, FPI lines, EDM machines); professionalism, responsibility, attention to detail, and willingness to work overtime as needed.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No