Job Details

Operations Manager
Ice Crystal Engineering

Kindred, North Dakota

ABOUT ICE CRYSTAL ENGINEERING

Ice Crystal Engineering LLC, based in Kindred, ND, USA, is a global leader in producing high-quality pyrotechnics for aerial and ground-based cloudseeding systems. Ice Crystal Engineering (ICE) is a global leader in the manufacturing of pyrotechnic cloud seeding flares. Designed to enhance precipitation and cater to a range of atmospheric needs, ICE is recognized globally for its innovative and reliable solutions. With over 60 years of industry experience, the team at ICE can custom-design flares to suit any climate, exceeding the capabilities of competitors. Used in weather modification projects across 24 countries, ICE flares are mission-critical components known for their safe and reliable ignition.

ICE is seeking an Operations Manager who will provide team and operations oversight and provide direct support to the Director of Operations and Production. The Operations Manager will play an instrumental role in ensuring the production facility runs optimally and overseeing the production and shipping logistics.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

Team Leadership and Culture

• Employee Support: Provide mentorship, coaching, and support to team members.
• Culture Maintenance: Foster a positive and inclusive work culture.
• Measure of Success: Employee engagement surveys, low turnover rates.

Production Planning and Coordination

• Demand Forecasting: Forecast demand accurately to optimize production schedules.
• Production Coordination: Ensure smooth coordination between different production areas.
• Measure of Success: Reduction in production bottlenecks, meeting production targets consistently.

Procurement - Vendor Relationship Management

• Materials Supplies: Forecast accurately and maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Vendor Relationship: Nurture relationships with suppliers to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement.
• Measure of Success: Reduction in material procurement costs, improvement in supply chain reliability.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

• Safety Procedures: Implement and enforce rigorous safety protocols throughout the production process to promote the safety culture of ICE.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
• Measure of Success: Zero safety incidents, successful completion of audits without major findings.

Operational Efficiency

• Systems: Implement and enhance systems to streamline operations to maintain the no missed deadlines track record.
• Operations Process: Continuously improve and standardize production processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate cross-departmental knowledge sharing to enhance efficiency.
• Measure of Success: Decrease in production lead time, increase in productivity metrics.

Account Management & Customer Service

• Order Fulfillment: Ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment to meet customer expectations.
• Customer Satisfaction: Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction through proactive communication and problem-solving.
• Retention: Develop strong relationships with customers to increase retention.
• Measure of Success: High customer retention rates and positive customer feedback.

Collaborate with Shared Services

• Finance Liaison: Coordinate with finance departments for budgeting, accounting, and financial planning.
• HR Support: Collaborate with HR in recruitment and workforce planning.
• Measure of Success: Timely financial reporting, successful recruitment of qualified candidates.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with people in all areas of the organization.
• Manufacturing, engineering, or production facility experience.
• Experience supporting a team by collectively problem-solving and collaborating with team members at all levels.
• Driven to help the team succeed.
• High level of personal accountability, motivation, and setting standards of excellence.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The comprehensive benefits package for this position includes:

• Competitive Salary based on experience
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Supplemental Insurance options
• 401K Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistant Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

THE SEARCH

Sagency, an executive search and leadership consulting firm, has been retained by Ice Crystal Engineer to conduct this search for an Operations Manager. Sagency consultants will review and evaluate all interested parties to help the hiring team review a final group for consideration. The search will be conducted in a professional manner and all potential candidates will be given consideration. Candidate conversations and information will be handled with great discretion and confidentiality. Sagency and Ice Crystal Engineering are equal-opportunity employers.

If after reading this Opportunity Profile, you feel that your experience, skills, and passion are a good match for the organization and this role, we would like to engage with you. Please read below for the first part of the application and selection process.

The first five steps of the application and selection process:

Step 1: Interested candidates complete the online application below.

• Upload your resume.
• The online application will be posted until the position is filled.

Step 2: A Sagency Executive Search Consultant may schedule an initial phone call with qualified applicants.

Step 3: A Sagency Executive Search Consultant will schedule a 60-minute interview with select candidates.

Step 4: If you are selected and choose to move on to interviews with our client, you will be asked to complete an online assessment.

Step 5: First-round interviews with Ice Crystal Engineering.

Thank you for your time and interest in this role.