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Operations Manager

Flex · Buffalo Grove, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about the injection molding operations you've managed. What volume, how many presses and what kind of parts?

What they are checking: Whether their scale and molding background fits running medical device component production.

Tell me about a continuous improvement project you led that cut scrap or downtime. What were the numbers?

What they are checking: Whether they can show measurable results from improvement work, not just talk about lean tools.

Tell me about a time you wrote or changed an operating procedure. How did you get people to follow it?

What they are checking: Whether they can roll out procedures that stick, since the role develops policies and best practices.

How do you develop the supervisors and leads who report to you?

What they are checking: Whether they build bench strength so production runs well even when they are not on the floor.

Tell me about a safety issue on your floor and what you did about it.

What they are checking: Whether safety leads their thinking as the first of the goals the posting lists, not a box to check.

What would you do

You are short on delivery for a key customer and quality wants to hold a lot. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they protect quality and compliance even when delivery pressure is high, which is non-negotiable in medical devices.

How do you work with program management, quality, engineering, maintenance and supply chain when their priorities conflict?

What they are checking: Whether they can align several functions around one plan without turning into a bottleneck or a referee.

An FDA or customer audit is two weeks out. How do you get production ready?

What they are checking: Whether they keep the floor audit-ready all the time rather than scrambling before visits.

About the work

How does running production under ISO 13485 and FDA cGMP change the way you manage a shop floor day to day?

What they are checking: Whether they live regulatory discipline in daily decisions, not just know the names of the standards.

What metrics do you look at every morning to know how production is doing on safety, quality, delivery and cost?

What they are checking: Whether they run the operation by a clear set of indicators instead of by gut feel and firefighting.

A molding cell's OEE has dropped for three weeks. Walk me through how you find out why.

What they are checking: Whether they break OEE into availability, performance and quality losses to find the real cause.

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The full job description

As published by Flex.

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary. Job Summary 

 We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to oversee operations of the production of medical device components. This position is responsible for managing the overall production function, while collaborating with program management, quality assurance, engineering, maintenance, and supply chain functions to ensure compliance with ISO 13485, FDA regulations, and internal quality standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, deep manufacturing knowledge, and a commitment to continuous improvement and regulatory compliance. Key Responsibilities: • Oversee daily operations of injection molding production to meet or exceed safety, quality, delivery, and cost goals. • Ensure compliance with all regulatory and quality system requirements (e.g., ISO 13485, FDA cGMP). • Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and best practices. • Collaborates with management, production, and the commercial team to evaluate manufacturing feasibility leading to quote compilation for new and existing products. • Forecasts operating costs of department and directs preparation of budget requests. • Partners with team and management in the development of the strategic plan and Annual Operating Plan (AOP) for the function. • Reviews and establishes material, equipment, and manpower resource requirements. • Prioritizes production schedules based on product introduction, equipment efficiency, and materials supply to meet customer requirements. • Coordinates production activities with other functional groups such as planning and distribution. • Selects and develops personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the production function. • Accountable for controlling manufacturing operation and ensuring that production quality and cost targets are met. • Develop customer relationships to be the partner of choice. • Plan, organize and lead production ramps to meet customer demand increases. • Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, 5S, KAIZEN and other methodologies. • Explores technology trends and market demand to plan projects. • Collaborate with Engineering on design for manufacturability (DFM), mold validation, and new product introduction (NPI). • Manage staffing, training, performance reviews, and development of team members • Monitor KPIs and use data to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, scrap reduction, and downtime. • Oversee plant scheduling, capacity planning, and resource allocation. • Ensure proper preventive maintenance and readiness of molding equipment and tooling. • Coordinate with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure material availability and inventory optimization. Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field. • Minimum of 9 years’ experience in a manufacturing leadership role, with at least 5 years in plastic injection molding. • Strong knowledge of medical device manufacturing standards and regulations (ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR Part 820). • Demonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies. • Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills. • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. • Demonstrates detailed expertise in very complex functional/technical area or broad breadth of knowledge in multiple areas; understands the strategic impact of the function across sites. • Demonstrates advanced people and/or process management skills as well as customer (external and internal) relationship skills. • Demonstrates knowledge of multiple functional technologies/processes, industries or functions and understanding of interdependencies of such processes at the site. • To perform the major job responsibilities the use of the following tools may be required: Office Skills: telephones, word processing, spreadsheet (PC), presentation and database software. Preferred: • Certification in Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher), PMP, or Lean. • Experience with Class I, II, or III medical device manufacturing. • Scientific Injection molding process knowledge • Working knowledge of molds and tool maintenance MF15 What you'll receive for the great work you provide: • Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans • Life Insurance • Short-term and Long-term Disability • Matching 401(k) Contributions • Vacation and Paid Sick Time • Tuition Reimbursement 
 Application Deadline: Applications for this job position will be accepted for at least five days following the job posting start date below and continuing until the end date below or until the position is filled. This posting may close sooner due to application volume. Job Posting Start Date 09-16-2026 Job Posting End Date 12-16-2026

 The base pay range for this position is provided below. The final base rate offered will be determined using job-related, non-discriminatory criteria, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, geographic location, education, external market data, and internal equity. $134,000.00 USD - $184,200.00 USD Annual Job Category Operations Is Sponsorship Available? No Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email accessibility@flex.com and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).

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