The posting
Maximize your potential. Minimize your footprint.
Nortek Data Center Cooling builds the systems that keep modern data centers running — from liquid cooling to large‑scale air solutions. Our work supports some of the world’s most demanding AI and hyperscale environments, and we solve those challenges with engineering depth and practical execution.
We keep things simple here. We communicate early, stay close to the details, and follow through. When issues come up, we address them directly, not with layers of process. Customers count on us because we do what we say and we keep projects moving.
Our culture is hands‑on and collaborative. People take ownership, move quickly, and help each other. If you like working with teammates who are straightforward and accountable, you’ll feel at home.
Position Summary
The Manufacturing Operations Manager - Second Shift is responsible for leading and executing all manufacturing activities during the assigned shift. This role ensures production schedules are achieved safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality standards while driving accountability, productivity, employee engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Operations Manager serves as the senior operational leader on shift and partners closely with Production, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams to meet customer delivery commitments.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead all second-shift manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.
- Drive execution of the daily production plan and ensure attainment of schedule, throughput, and labor efficiency targets.
- Provide direct leadership, coaching, and development for supervisors, team leads, and production employees.
- Monitor production performance, identify operational gaps, and implement corrective actions to resolve issues quickly.
- Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and company policies while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Partner with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to address production constraints and improve operational performance.
- Manage labor allocation, staffing, and workflow to maximize productivity and meet customer demand.
- Lead shift start-up, performance reviews, escalation processes, and communication with first-shift leadership to ensure operational continuity.
- Drive waste reduction, inventory accuracy, improved material flow, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Utilize ERP systems and performance metrics to monitor production results and drive improvements.
- Support employee engagement, talent development, performance management, and succession planning efforts.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Leadership Competencies
- Safety-focused leader who promotes accountability and operational discipline.
- Demonstrated ability to lead large hourly workforces in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with a bias for action.
- Effective coach and developer of talent with the ability to build high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Continuous improvement mindset with experience driving sustainable operational results.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and execute under tight production deadlines.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 7-10 years of manufacturing experience, including leadership responsibility in a production environment.
- Previous experience leading a manufacturing shift, production department, or value stream preferred.
- Proven record of achieving safety, quality, delivery, and productivity objectives.
- Experience with production scheduling, labor management, inventory control, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing performance metrics.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Excellent leadership, coaching, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Ability to work second shift and support operational needs outside of normal business hours as required.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during the workday.
- Frequent use of hands and fingers for fine motor tasks and assembly work.
- Ability to lift and move materials up to 35 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to bend, reach, twist, and work in confined spaces as required.
- Ability to distinguish wire colors and identify small components.
- Visual acuity sufficient to inspect detailed assembly work.
Work Environment
- Manufacturing and production environment.
- Exposure to moving machinery, electrical equipment, and production noise.
- Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as applicable.
- Overtime and weekend work may be required based on production demands.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Our benefits package includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HSA and 401(k) Plan with company contributions. To apply, please visit our career site at https://www.nortekdatacenter.com/careers/
Nortek Data Center Cooling. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law.
