Operations Manager - Solar Manufacturing Experience

Position Overview

Full Circle Recruiting, LLC. is seeking an experienced Operations Manager with 8–10+ years of manufacturing operations experience, including significant experience in the solar industry. The ideal candidate will oversee daily production, workforce management, quality control, safety compliance, and operational efficiency within a fast-paced manufacturing facility.

This position requires a hands-on leader with extensive experience in solar manufacturing, metal fabrication, production management, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee daily manufacturing operations across multiple departments and production shifts. Manage production activities involving solar components, metal fabrication, laser cutting, welding, assembly, and material handling. Develop production schedules and ensure manufacturing targets, quality standards, and delivery deadlines are achieved.

Lead, coach, and manage production supervisors, team leads, and manufacturing employees. Monitor operational KPIs, production efficiency, labor productivity, equipment downtime, and manufacturing costs. Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and increase productivity.

Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, workplace safety procedures, and ISO 9001 quality standards. Collaborate with engineering, procurement, maintenance, and quality teams to resolve production challenges. Manage operational budgets, staffing requirements, inventory coordination, and resource allocation. Identify production bottlenecks, improve workflow, and implement corrective actions.

Support solar manufacturing process improvements, equipment upgrades, and production expansion initiatives. Maintain employee accountability, attendance standards, and overall operational performance. Required Qualifications Minimum 8–10 years of manufacturing operations experience, with significant solar industry experience required.

Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing production teams and manufacturing operations. Strong knowledge of solar manufacturing, solar mounting systems, structural components, or related solar equipment. Experience with metal fabrication, welding, CNC/laser cutting, and industrial assembly operations. Proven experience managing multiple production shifts and high-volume manufacturing environments.

Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, OSHA regulations, and ISO 9001 standards. Experience with ERP/MRP systems, production planning, inventory management, and operational reporting. Strong budgeting, cost control, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience manufacturing solar racking, mounting structures, trackers, or utility-scale solar components. Lean Six Sigma certification. Experience implementing manufacturing automation and operational improvements. Proven success improving production efficiency, reducing downtime, and managing large manufacturing teams.

Ideal Candidate A results-driven manufacturing leader with strong solar industry expertise, excellent leadership skills, and a proven ability to improve production efficiency, enforce safety standards, manage costs, and drive operational excellence. Candidates must have substantial solar industry and manufacturing operations experience to be considered.