Operations Manager - Lamesa, TX

Overview

On-Site – Lamesa, TX

Are you ready to take the helm of critical operations and drive impactful change within a global leader in performance materials? Aquent is partnering with a pioneering company with a long-standing history of innovation in essential materials. We’re seeking a dynamic leader to optimize production, ensure safety, and spearhead efficiency across our client’s operations. This is an incredible opportunity to shape processes, mentor teams, and directly contribute to the success and sustainability of a vital industry, making a tangible difference every single day.

About the Role

As a key leader, you will guide, organize, and direct the hourly workforce, managing operational processes and collaborating with maintenance teams to ensure optimal equipment performance. You will be instrumental in controlling direct production costs through effective planning and management, while championing robust quality, health, safety, and environmental programs. This role offers the chance to contribute to strategic planning, budgeting, and overall production coordination, ensuring our client continues to meet high standards and operational excellence.

What You’ll Do 

• Drive continuous improvement in production to safely meet customer demands, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
• Collaborate with operators to gather and analyze data for trending, problem-solving, and root cause analysis.
• Coordinate effectively with the maintenance department to schedule preventative maintenance and address unscheduled downtime.
• Champion and enforce all safety regulations, ensuring strict adherence to company safety and environmental policies.
• Oversee production departments, interfacing with field personnel and coordinating seamlessly with maintenance, purchasing, customer service, and accounting teams.
• Assist in the development and execution of capital and annual budget plans.
• Perform essential administrative duties, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting.
• Plan, evaluate, recommend, implement, and monitor production strategies to minimize costs and meet quality and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate interdepartmental needs to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

What You’ll Bring – Must-Have Qualifications 

• A Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences or Engineering with 10 years of progressively responsible experience in maintenance and/or production, OR a high school diploma or GED with 7 years of progressively responsible experience in maintenance.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in supervisory/management roles within the industry, with at least 5 years in a dedicated management position.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites and relevant computer software programs.
• Demonstrated leadership and management capabilities, with a proven track record in production planning and management.
• Strong experience in budgeting and cost control.
• Expertise in the implementation and maintenance of quality, health, safety, and environmental programs.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse personalities and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Physical ability to maneuver throughout operational facilities, including climbing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, and lifting approximately 10-20 lbs.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications 

• Prior leadership experience within the industry.
• An engineering background in a related field or equivalent experience as an Operations Superintendent or Manager.
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting, planning, and monitoring capital expenditures.
• Demonstrated systemic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of developing cost-effective solutions.

Additional Variable Compensation: This role includes a 15% Annual Bonus Incentive Plan (ABIP) to be paid out in March 2027. Please note, this position will not qualify for the March 2026 bonus plan.

About Aquent Talent: Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits! Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive. The target hiring compensation range for this role is $91,000 to $150,000.00/yr. Compensation is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.