Talent.com
Manufacturing Operations Manager-Casting Value Stream

Manufacturing Operations Manager-Casting Value Stream

Rio GrandeAlbuquerque, NM, US
30+ days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Manufacturing Operations Manager- Casting Value Stream

Overview :

We are seeking an experienced and growth-driven Operations Manager for the Casting Value Stream to lead and scale our jewelry production operations. This role will be instrumental in building efficient, scalable processes that maintain the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. The ideal candidate will balance daily production oversight with long-term strategic planning to support rapid business growth, increased production capacity, and operational excellence.

What You’ll do :

Operational Leadership & Execution :

  • Oversee day-to-day production operations across multiple jewelry-making processes (wax injection, treeing, investing, casting, clipping, grinding, polishing, finishing, soldering, assembly, and QA).
  • Manage staffing plans, daily workflow, and scheduling to meet increasing production demands.
  • Develop and lead a high-performing team through coaching, training, and accountability.
  • Ensure consistent execution of quality standards and compliance with safety protocols, and SOPs.
  • Maintain close coordination with Procurement, Planning, Product Development, and Quality to align resources with growth goals.

Scaling & Process Optimization :

  • Design and implement scalable production processes, workflows, and layout changes to support growing order volumes.
  • Lead value stream mapping efforts and identify high-impact opportunities for automation, equipment upgrades, and cell-based production.
  • Introduce Lean Manufacturing principles tailored to high-skill, high-value jewelry production (e.g., visual flow, standard work, takt time planning).
  • Collaborate with Training and Documentation Specialist to build and refine SOPs, training modules, and quality checklists to standardize operations across teams and shifts.
  • Oversee capacity modeling and production planning tools to support current and future-state demand forecasts.

    • Continuous Improvement & KPI Management :

  • Develop and manage key operational metrics including throughput, cycle time, first-pass yield, rework, and cost per unit.
  • Implement tiered daily management systems and cross-functional problem-solving forums.
  • Track and reduce waste, bottlenecks, and non-value-added activity to enable efficient scale-up without compromising quality.
  • Ensure technology, systems, and data tools evolve with production scale (ERP / MRP utilization, dashboards, tracking tools).

    • What You’ll Need :

  • Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
  • 7+ years of manufacturing operations experience, with 5+ years in a leadership role scaling production or managing rapid growth.
  • Proven success in implementing process improvements, expanding capacity, and optimizing labor and workflow in a growing organization.
  • Experience in fine jewelry production, or high-skill, detail-oriented manufacturing strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of Lean, value stream management, and production scaling in high-mix, low-volume environments.
  • Proficiency in ERP systems, production planning, and workflow analytics.

    • Preferred Experience :

  • Experience scaling manufacturing operations while preserving quality and brand identity.
  • Familiarity with jewelry production methods (wax injection, treeing, casting, clipping, grinding, finishing, soldering, and assembly) and materials (gold, silver, bronze).
  • Lean Six Sigma certification and / or project management experience during major scaling or expansion phases.
  • Strong financial acumen related to cost per unit, labor efficiency, and CapEx planning.

    • Success Metrics (KPIs) :

  • Production capacity growth vs. target
  • On-time delivery (OTD) and lead time adherence
  • First-pass yield / rework rate
  • Labor efficiency and training ramp speed
  • Cost per unit trends (labor, material, overhead)
  • SOP adherence and cross-training coverage

    • Work Environment :

  • On-site role with ~60% floor presence, focused on hands-on leadership, coaching, and process improvement.
  • Fast-paced, growth-oriented environment where flexibility, clarity, and team development are key to success.

    • The successful candidate will enjoy a rewarding, challenging, and principled work environment. For more information about us please visit : www.riogrande.com

    Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging :

    Guided by our core values, Rio Grande is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect. We are an equal-opportunity employer with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind. As an advocate for equity and equality, we hire, train, and promote qualified people of all backgrounds. We consider employment candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other underrepresented class. We value our associates and have won the yearly Healthiest Places to Work and Family Friendly Business awards on multiple occasions.

    The Reward :

    Rio Grande provides a generous benefit package for full-time (30+ hours a week) associates that includes :

  • Medical plan with low premium rates and no high deductible (includes dental and vision) and telemedicine
  • 401(k) matching program
  • Paid time-off benefits, plus an additional seven paid holidays
  • Paid life insurance and optional additional life insurance
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Flexible spending account
  • Pet insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • On-site gym and company wellness program
  • Bereavement leave
  • Employee discounts at Rio Grande
  • Local and national discounts on various travel and entertainment
  • Competitive compensation, including an opportunity to share in the profits

    • Our associates strive for joint accountability. We work together for the success of our stakeholders, and we provide a thoughtful, fun, and creative environment to support them. We encourage professional and personal development through a variety of training opportunities and a focus on promoting from within.

    The Company :

    Established in 1944, Rio Grande, a Berkshire-Hathaway manufacturer / distributor, has thousands of valued customers around the world. We are a principle-based company with a highly evolved team-based environment. We can show you how a profoundly effective organization lives these values every day. You can find our guiding principles, The 3 R’s, Respect, Responsibility and Results, on our website as well as information about our community support and how we protect the environment.

    Within our 186,000 sq. ft., solar-powered facility, with covered parking, Rio Grande has sales, marketing, supply chain, IT and administrative offices, a climate-controlled distribution center with more than 40,000 items, and a comprehensive, well-equipped manufacturing operation. Manufactured products include jewelry-making equipment (from basic tools to highly sophisticated induction casting machines) and jewelry components—both die-struck and cast. Capabilities include CAD / CAM, casting, stamp and form, metal finishing, CNC machining, manual milling, tool & die and electronics / mechanical assembly.

    Create a job alert for this search

    Manufacturing Stream • Albuquerque, NM, US