• Job Description

  Req#: 588542

  Manufacturing Operations Manager

  Department: Operations Division: Manufacturing

  
  

  At Daniel Defense, Only the Best Build the Best…

  Daniel Defense engineers and manufactures the world’s finest weapon systems and accessories. Our mission to Honor God, Defend Freedom is accomplished by serving customers and providing top quality solutions to our military, law enforcement and civilians that are seeking premium firearms for home defense, hunting, and sport shooting.

  
  

  The Manufacturing Operations Manager is responsible for leading daily manufacturing operations to achieve world-class performance in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Morale (SQDCM). This role owns execution of production plans while driving continuous improvement through the Daniel Defense Business Excellence (DDX) system, Lean Daily Management (LDM), flow optimization, and disciplined material management systems.

  This position is directly accountable for:

  • On-Time Delivery (OTD) performance
  • Throughput improvement
  • Flow optimization within assigned value streams
  • Kanban system implementation and execution
  • FIFO lane compliance and material rotation
  • Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) performance
  • Inventory accuracy and working capital improvement
  • Employee engagement in DDX initiatives

  
  

  Essential Functions:

  1. Production & Operational Leadership

  • Oversee daily manufacturing operations to ensure products are produced safely, on schedule, within quality standards, and cost objectives.
  • Translate the master production schedule into executable daily plans.
  • Ensure adherence to production standards and standard work.
  • Drive compliance with environmental health and safety standards.
  • Serve as liaison between leadership and frontline teams to ensure alignment and communication.

  2. On-Time Delivery (OTD) Ownership

  • Own daily and weekly OTD performance for assigned areas.
  • Identify and eliminate root causes of missed shipments.
  • Partner with Planning and Supply Chain to proactively address material constraints.
  • Drive schedule adherence and reduce production variability.

  3. Throughput & Flow Improvement

  • Identify bottlenecks and constraints within the value stream.
  • Improve cycle times, changeovers, and labor utilization.
  • Reduce WIP and eliminate production stagnation.
  • Lead value stream mapping activities to improve material and process flow.
  • Support transition toward pull-based production where applicable.

  4. Kanban & FIFO System Execution

  • Implement and maintain Kanban replenishment systems for materials and WIP.
  • Establish clear visual triggers and reorder points.
  • Ensure FIFO lanes are clearly defined, visually managed, and enforced.
  • Eliminate aged inventory and improve inventory turns.
  • Drive point-of-use material presentation to support flow.

  5. Lean Daily Management (LDM)

  • Lead daily tier meetings and accountability reviews.
  • Maintain visual performance boards tracking SQDCM metrics.
  • Conduct regular Gemba walks to identify abnormalities and improvement opportunities.
  • Utilize structured problem-solving tools (A3, root cause analysis).
  • Ensure rapid countermeasure deployment and follow-up.

  6. OEE & Asset Utilization

  • Monitor and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
  • Reduce downtime and improve equipment reliability in partnership with Maintenance and Engineering.
  • Improve setup and changeover efficiency.
  • Support preventative maintenance coordination aligned with production requirements.

  7. Cost, Productivity & Quality Management

  • Monitor scrap and rework; implement corrective actions to reduce waste.
  • Drive productivity improvements to meet or exceed labor efficiency targets.
  • Support 6S and workplace organization standards.
  • Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives.

  8. Talent Leadership & Engagement

  • Hire, train, develop, and evaluate supervisors and frontline team members.
  • Set clear performance expectations aligned to DDX and SQDCM objectives.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
  • Engage employees in Kaizen and grassroots improvement initiatives.

  Key Performance Metrics

  • On-Time Delivery (OTD)
  • Throughput / Units per Labor Hour
  • Lead Time Reduction
  • FIFO Compliance
  • Kanban Accuracy
  • Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
  • Scrap & Rework Rate
  • Inventory Accuracy
  • Safety Incident Rate
  • Employee Engagement

  • Responsible for demonstrating commitment to and leadership of environmental health and safety principles, policies and procedures.

  • Provides adequate support, training and development to team members to continuously improve Safety, 6S, Quality, Delivery and Productivity.
  • Expected to be a contributor to the company standards on high integrity, safety, fair and equitable treatment and a positive work environment
  • Other responsibilities as deemed appropriate or necessary by management.

  
  

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • BA/BS in Industrial, Mechanical, or Business Administration, or a combination of related experience, education and/or training to sufficiently and successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
  • 10+ years manufacturing experience with 3–5+ years in leadership role.
  • Demonstrated success improving OTD, throughput, and flow.
  • Experience implementing Lean manufacturing tools and systems.
  • Experience with Kanban systems and FIFO material management.
  • Strong understanding of production scheduling and capacity constraints.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in accordance with our Company Values.

  
  

  Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to lift and carry awkward items weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting and bending throughout the workday.
  • Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, to include working in and around machinery, exposure to noise and chemicals, lights/lasers, etc.
  • Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protection Equipment as required by your position and/or Company policy.

  
  

  Daniel Defense is an EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability employer and promotes a "Drug-Free Workplace."

  
  

  Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to the job. This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this job. Responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of the employer and do not establish a contract of employment – Daniel Defense is an at-will employer.

  
  

  
  

  
  

• About the company

  Daniel Defense is an arms manufacturer, founded in 2002 by Marty Daniel in Savannah, Georgia.

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