Aerospace Lubricants - Operations Manager

Aerospace Lubricants is a specialty grease manufacturer located in Columbus, Ohio. We manufacture products for everything from defense systems and spacecraft to offshore boats and motorcycles.

Aerospace Lubricants is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations within our specialty grease production facility. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, champions continuous improvement, and builds strong relationships that foster employee engagement. The successful candidate leads with a people-first, safety-first, and quality-first mindset while driving operational excellence.

Core Responsibilities

• Production Oversight & Efficiency
  • Direct daily manufacturing operations to meet production schedules and maximize resource utilization.
  • Maintain smooth workflow across all production lines while ensuring consistent product quality.
• People Leadership & Engagement
  • Build strong, trust-based relationships with employees at all levels.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered.
  • Mentor, coach, and develop production staff to strengthen skills, accountability, and engagement.
• Safety Leadership & Risk Prevention
  • Lead with a safety-first mindset, ensuring OSHA and ISO compliance across all operations.
  • Conduct monthly safety meetings, training sessions, and facility inspections.
  • Implement proactive hazard identification and corrective action plans, encouraging employee participation in safety initiatives.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance
  • Partner with Quality teams to uphold ISO standards and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Maintain a culture where quality is non-negotiable and embedded in every process.
• Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement
  • Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and CI methodologies to reduce waste, improve productivity, and streamline workflows.
  • Identify inefficiencies and implement sustainable improvements.
• Inventory Control & Tactical Buying
  • Reduce obsolete stock, minimize rework, and optimize finished goods inventory.
  • Implement a weekly cycle count program to support accurate consumption tracking and demand planning.
• Stock Scheduling & On-Time Delivery
  • Develop strategic stock scheduling to prioritize high-demand items.
  • Improve On-Time Delivery performance through better planning and coordination.
• Supply Chain & Logistics Coordination
  • Collaborate with procurement and logistics to ensure timely availability of raw materials and efficient inventory flow.
• Performance Analytics & Reporting
  • Use data-driven insights to monitor production metrics, track safety incidents, and identify improvement opportunities.
  • Provide clear, actionable reporting to leadership.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Quality, Supply Chain, and Business Leadership to align operational goals with broader company strategy.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field (preferred).
• 5+ years of manufacturing operations experience; chemical or lubricant industry experience is a plus.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build relationships and drive employee engagement.
• Demonstrated success improving safety, quality, and operational performance.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

Other Details

• Pay Type: Salaried
• Pay Range: $99,600 to $117,200

(Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, and/or skillset)

Why Join Us

• Lead operations in a growing, specialized manufacturing environment.
• Work in a culture that values people, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Opportunity to make a measurable impact on production performance and team culture.