Operations Manager - Fulfillment & Manufacturing

About Excelligence

Excelligence Learning Corporation is the world's leading tech-enabled platform company in early childhood and elementary education. Educators, parents, and children in more than 40 countries use our 20,000+ innovative, high-quality, and grade-appropriate educational products and teaching solutions to teach, learn, and grow.

With over 30 years of experience, we are a leading developer, manufacturer, distributor, and multi-channel retailer, serving early childhood learning centers, elementary schools, PTAs, and consumers. Our three core divisions-Supplies (Discount School Supply, Really Good Stuff), Equipment (Children's Factory, Angeles, Learning Carpets), and Services (Educational Products, Inc., ChildCare Education Institute, Frog Street Press)-deliver excellence through proprietary brands such as Colorations®, BioColor®, Excellerations®, MyPerfectClassroom®, and Environments®.

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The Role

As the Operations Manager for our Gardner, KS fulfillment and manufacturing center, you will lead key departments, managing a team of approximately 40 associates to ensure operational excellence, safety, quality, and efficiency. This role is pivotal in aligning production, fulfillment, and cross-functional workflows with business and customer demands-leveraging data analytics, AI-driven insights, and continuous improvement methodologies to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Develop, implement, and maintain business standards for accuracy, productivity, and reliability.
• Oversee and optimize production schedules to meet demand forecasts and delivery timelines.
• Coordinate with procurement, inventory, and logistics to ensure material availability and smooth workflow.
• Manage departmental budgets to align with business goals.
• Develop volume and contingency plans to meet fluctuating demands and business growth.

Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop ~40 associates to achieve operational and performance metrics.
• Conduct daily/weekly performance meetings and annual reviews.
• Manage staffing and scheduling to optimize labor resources.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and high-performance work environment that drives accountability and engagement.

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Conduct Gemba walks and implement root cause solutions to address inefficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, HR, and legal regulations.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to optimize processes.
• Leverage AI concepts and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency and product quality.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with quality, safety, HR, and other teams to ensure alignment of operational practices with company objectives.
• Act as a subject matter expert for all process areas within your responsibility.
• Escalate and resolve operational issues through effective communication and problem-solving.

Qualifications

Required

• 7+ years of experience in operations management within a distribution, fulfillment, or manufacturing environment.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams of similar size and scope.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/WMS systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Manhattan).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to use data to drive decisions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Lean Six Sigma, APICS, or PMP certification.
• Familiarity with AI-driven tools, predictive analytics, automation, or robotics in manufacturing/fulfillment.

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, and productivity.
• Growth: Access professional development in a high-growth, innovative environment.
• Culture: Join a collaborative, inclusive team that values innovation and operational excellence.
• Benefits: Competitive compensation, comprehensive health coverage, retirement savings, and additional perks.

Work Environment

• Fully on-site in Gardner, KS.
• Shift-based schedule with occasional flexibility to meet operational needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Excelligence Learning Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Excelligence is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources.