Lincoln Electric is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader who helps customers manufacture and maintain vital equipment and infrastructure. Lincoln Electric’s innovative solutions enable higher quality and productivity across a variety of processes including welding, cutting, brazing, machining, process automation, and field repair. The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power electronics, automation, and intelligent software to help customers build better and achieve resilience in their operations. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln Electric is the essential ‘Linc’ that keeps the economy running. The Company operates 71 manufacturing and automation facilities across 20 countries and serves customers in over 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company’s website at https://www.lincolnelectric.com.

Location: Gainesville
Req ID: 28975

Job Responsibilities

Summary of the Position:

This position is responsible for leading the Manufacturing, Maintenance, EHS, Process Engineering, and Quality teams at the Harris Products Group’s Gainesville facility, ensuring successful execution of goals and objectives from strategic planning through implementation. The Operations Manager identifies and secures the resources necessary to enhance customer service, reduce manufacturing costs, drive process improvements, and achieve distribution excellence. This role leads cross‑functional teams by establishing clear goals and objectives that position the facility ahead of the competition while ensuring the adoption of modern manufacturing practices and technologies.

The role requires demonstrated experience optimizing manufacturing plant operations through effective cost management and continuous process improvement. Proven success includes leading capital projects, streamlining product portfolios, and increasing throughput through close collaboration with engineering and production teams. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in Lean principles, financial analysis, and cross-functional leadership, with a focus on maximizing operational efficiency, performance, and profitability. Travel to other facilities and/or suppliers may be required. This position is based out of the Gainesville, Georgia Facility

Key Deliverables

Promotes a safe work environment and actively supports safety initiatives across the organization. Ensures the timely completion of projects and required reporting while consistently achieving targeted safety performance metrics, including DART and Total Recordable Case Rates (TRCR). Maintains acceptable scrap, waste, and downtime levels, while ensuring high customer fill rates, controlled inventory levels, and strong financial performance supported by sound P&L knowledge. Drives measurable Lean and Six Sigma project savings, improves operational effectiveness and overall equipment efficiency (OEE), and reduces conversion costs through detailed P&L and bill‑of‑materials (BOM) analysis. Meets or exceeds budget and forecast expectations, improves first‑pass yield, minimizes warranty returns, and ensures successful completion of ISO audits and maintenance of required certifications.

Key Accountability Metrics

Responsible for overall facility revenue (P&L), gross profit, earnings, and margin performance. Ensures safety performance targets are achieved while increasing production volume and reducing costs on an annual basis. Oversees a workforce that includes both employees and contractors while managing operating expenses within approved budget levels

Job Requirements

Education and/or Experience:

• Minimum (15) years plant management experience in a manufacturing environment, showing career progression with stability and increasing levels of responsibility with strong financial results.
• Ability to relate well with plant personnel at all levels.
• Strong P&L understanding and ability to diagnose, take action, and educate
• Implementation of Lean/6 Sigma manufacturing programs.
• BS degree in a technical or business discipline.
• Masters level education with a business focus preferred.
• Working knowledge of metals fabrication and product assembly consumer product industry preferred.
• SAP Champion-utilization and implementation
• Solid business acumen and proven ability to build and implement corporate strategy supporting top-line revenue growth in a fiscally responsible manner.

Lincoln Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equal employment opportunity for applicants, without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.