Operations Manager

EQI Specialty Products – Operations Manager

Location: Westlake, OH

Reports To: VP, Specialty Products

Direct Reports: Sr. Operations Specialist (2), Logistics and Compliance Specialist, Warehouse Manager, Material Handler

Position Summary

The Operations Manager will lead the daily operations of EQI's Specialty Products Division in Cleveland, Ohio, overseeing customer service, order management, warehouse operations, and trade compliance. This leader will be responsible for building and optimizing processes that drive operational excellence and customer satisfaction, as well as managing a team of key professionals within the division to ensure high performance and accountability. The role will also provide oversight for an ERP implementation, collaborating cross-functionally with IT, finance, and supply chain teams.

Key Accountabilities

• Oversee daily operations: customer service, order management, logistics, warehouse, fulfillment, and trade compliance.
• Optimize efficiency and customer satisfaction throughout the order-to-ship process.
• Lead process improvements and change management for ERP implementation.
• Establish and refine SOPs to enhance workflow and data accuracy.
• Supervise and mentor the order processing, inventory, and trade compliance team.
• Coordinate with finance, IT, and supply chain to meet business objectives.
• Manage vendor and customer relationships for high service standards.
• Analyze performance metrics and drive continuous improvement using ERP and other methods.
• Support strategic planning, budgeting, and project management for the division.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, logistics, or related fields.
• Proven experience managing teams and driving operational excellence.
• Strong understanding of business processes, warehousing operations, and trade compliance.
• Experience supporting or leading relocation, consolidation, or large projects.
• Demonstrated project management and change management skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership abilities.
• Experience working cross-functionally in fast-paced, growing environments.

Preferred Candidate Expertise

• Background in consulting, manufacturing operations, finance, or IT systems integration.
• Knowledge of lean operations or process improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting or leading Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) related projects
• Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and warehouse management systems.
• Strong Excel and project management skills.
• Experience working in manufacturing, distribution, or reselling environments.
• Experience with international trade and compliance, Federal Trade Zone being ideal.

Performance Metrics

• Manage a team of 4 direct with 1 indirect report
• On-time order fulfillment and shipment accuracy
• Inventory accuracy and warehouse efficiency
• Customer satisfaction and service-level performance
• ERP implementation milestones delivered on time
• Process improvements resulting in measurable operational gains
• Team engagement and performance development
• Prepare the operational aspects of the business for double digit growth