Title:  Manager, Operations - Precision Etched Parts

VACCO Industries

Job Description

Job Title:                    Manager, Operations

Department:              Operations

Reports To:                Director, Operations

FLSA Status:             Exempt – (216XY)

Prepared By:                         D. Neff

Prepared Date:          April 27, 2026

Dept. Approval By:   ___________________________   Date:  ________________

H.R. Approval By:    ___________________________   Date:  ________________

SUMMARY:

• Drive achievement and overperformance of financial and operational KPIs through disciplined execution, chemical process optimization, and data-driven decision making 
• Lead operations for precision etched parts by integrating chemical engineering principles (etch chemistry control, material behavior, process capability) into scalable, repeatable manufacturing processes 
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• Own strategic planning for capacity, flow, and process improvement initiatives to enable sustained growth, cost reduction, and schedule adherence 
• Partner cross-functionally to align product line execution with customer requirements, ensuring consistent delivery, quality, and responsiveness 
• Lead, develop, and motivate Supervisors, Leads, and Technicians to achieve operational excellence, strong engagement, and continuous efficiency gains 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for leading Operations Supervisors, Leads, and Technicians to deliver operational metrics, sales targets, and product line performance objectives 
• Drive execution of chemical processing operations, ensuring control of etch chemistry, process parameters, and material behavior to achieve consistent, high-quality output 
• Ensure delivery of operational KPIs including On-Time Delivery, utilization, efficiency, yield, and process capability 
• Own strategic and tactical planning for capacity, workflow, and resource alignment to support growth and customer demand 
• Proactively coordinate with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to resolve constraints, drive process improvements, and ensure alignment with leadership priorities 
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on process stability, cost reduction, throughput, and manufacturability of precision etched components 
• Develop the technician talent pool through training, skill optimization, and partnership with HR to attract and retain talent; ensure succession planning for critical roles 
• Select, manage, and coach Supervisors, Leads, and Technicians to drive accountability, engagement, and performance 
• Establish clear communication and engagement rhythms to align teams on business performance, objectives, and operational priorities 
• Analyze financial and operational data to improve profitability, efficiency, and cost structure 
• Manage budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation to meet financial targets 
• Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships and influence key stakeholders to achieve business objectives 
• Translate business strategy into daily execution through structured planning, KPI management, and disciplined operational control
• Supervise operation of Vacco’s on-site wastewater treatment plant and coordinate directly with EH&S department to ensure compliance with all applicable permit requirements
• Review labor, overhead and schedule estimates on new business proposals 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong proficiency in Excel for data analysis, KPI tracking, forecasting, and operational reporting 
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation 
• Solid understanding of business and financial principles including budgeting, cost control, and profitability analysis 
• Experience with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies 
• Demonstrated capability in strategic planning, capacity planning, and operational execution 
• Knowledge of organizational effectiveness and operations management systems 
• Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills 
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities 
• Experience managing budgets and forecasts in a production environment
• Experience using advanced functionalities of ERP systems (experience with SAP preferred) 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering or related engineering discipline required; Master’s degree in Engineering or Finance preferred 
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment 
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of experience requirements 

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, walk and reach with hands and arms as well as some bending and/or stooping.  Occasional light lifting of reams of paper or books up to 20 lbs. or equivalent may be required. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Majority of work is performed in a typical office environment with no major sources of discomfort.  Essentially a normal controlled working environment with noise levels within acceptable safety limits and acceptable lighting and temperature conditions.

Although most time will be spent in an office environment, all Operations Managers are expected to spend time on the production floor with team members to ensure equipment is running properly and gain a detailed understanding of all steps involved in the manufacturing process.

This description indicates the general nature of the tasks and responsibilities required of positions given this classification.  It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of management to assign, direct and control specific duties of individuals performing this function.  The Company reserves the right to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any section of this document as it seems, in its judgment, to be proper.  This description supersedes any previous description for this position.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.