Manager in Training

Role overview

This is a developmental operations role focused on preparing the selected person for broader leadership responsibility. The position rotates through several departments and special projects to build practical knowledge of operations, business processes, and team leadership. The role is exempt and reports to the Operations Manager.

The successful candidate will lead day-to-day team activity, direct multiple employees, and ensure work is completed to business and customer standards. The role calls for independent judgment, strong leadership, and the ability to organize, motivate, train, and develop teams while supporting productivity and quality goals.

Key duties

• Oversee daily departmental operations and keep the team functioning efficiently.
• Monitor assigned projects and tasks so work stays on track, meets standards, and finishes on time.
• Use downloaded ICE reports to review project status, completed work, inventory updates, and data errors; flag any inconsistencies.
• Review work in progress and finished output to keep quality and efficiency at a steady level.
• Look for ways to improve quality, accuracy, service, and process flow, then work with leadership to implement better approaches.
• Review and standardize procedures before they are rolled out to help improve departmental performance and worker efficiency.
• Assign tasks, evaluate performance, interview, hire, train, coach, counsel, and discipline employees as needed.
• Prepare annual performance reviews and support performance improvement plans for underperforming team members.
• Encourage collaboration and maintain a strong team environment.
• Track and maintain department supplies and inventory.
• Develop action steps to address recurring issues that affect production or quality.
• Make timely, sound decisions that support the organization’s best interests.
• Follow applicable regulatory processes and internal procedures.
• Take preventive action to avoid product, process, and quality nonconformances; stop further processing or delivery of defective items until issues are corrected.
• Identify and document problems tied to product, process, and quality systems.
• Ensure company policies, procedures, and process standards are being followed.
• Oversee maintenance of machinery to help ensure finished output meets expectations.
• Prepare weekly updates for the CEO and Operations Manager covering rates, discrepancies, and equipment usage.

Supervisory scope

This role manages subordinate supervisors who oversee production staff. It also includes responsibility for overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the production units, along with possible involvement in hiring, work planning, employee recognition or discipline, and complaint resolution.

Work environment and physical demands

The work setting requires regular communication by voice or hearing and frequent movement throughout the day. The employee is often standing, walking, using hands and arms, reaching, pulling, twisting, bending, and may also need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or use ladders. The role requires lifting or moving at least 35 to 50 lbs. frequently without assistance. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Schedule and travel

Work hours may occasionally include evenings and weekends depending on business needs. Some out-of-area travel, including overnight travel, may also be required.

Required background

• A bachelor’s degree with at least four years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five to seven years of experience in manufacturing, warehouse, or distribution operations.
• Three to five years of leadership or supervisory experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or distribution setting.
• Working knowledge of computers and strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel.
• LEAN, Six Sigma, PMP, or CSM certification.
• Basic repair-technician ability, including disassembling LCD devices for testing purposes.
• Preferred experience in consumer electronics and reverse-logistics operations across all phases.

Work authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Additional competencies

• Strong results orientation.
• Solid problem-solving, analysis, and creative thinking skills.
• Excellent leadership, training, coaching, and interpersonal ability.
• High-level organization and multitasking capability.
• Strong verbal and written communication, including report writing and presentations.
• Team-oriented mindset.
• Professional presence with a positive attitude aligned to company values and goals.
• Comfort using fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions in practical situations.
• Ability to identify issues, gather data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.
• Willingness to work extended hours.
• Ability to lead by example, share values and vision, maintain integrity, develop people, and build teams.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.