Operations Manager - ColorArmor at Britten, Inc. – Traverse City, Michigan

Britten, Inc. is a veteran-owned (VOSB), creative production house dedicated to delivering innovative signage, displays, and event branding solutions that make our customers stand out in a crowd. For 35+ years, we’ve leveraged our state-of-the art design, printing, fabrication, and manufacturing capabilities to propel high-impact campaigns and promotional ideas into the world. Always on time, on strategy, and on budget, we build the stuff that helps people, communities, and businesses flourish and prosper.

Located in Traverse City, Michigan, this creative production studio known as Britten seeks talented individuals to join our team. We’ve built a reputation for saying "yes" to projects others won't touch. Our people make that possible, individuals who put a premium on thoughtful service, care about the people next to them, and are willing to go the extra mile on projects they touch. Click here to learn more about Britten, Inc. www.britteninc.com

What We Seek...

We are seeking a driven, entrepreneurial leader to help lead ColorArmor, a newly established company focused on high-end industrial coating solutions. This is a unique opportunity to step into a startup environment—where you will play a critical role in building processes and driving operational success from the ground up. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, takes ownership, and is energized by the challenge of building something new. A strong balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution is essential. We are looking for someone who is resourceful, adaptable, and results-driven—an individual who sees challenges as opportunities and deliver exceptional quality in a fast-paced environment.

Job Summary and Job Functions

• Lead and manage daily operations to ensure efficiency, safety, and on-time delivery across all processes, including automated coating systems
• Supervise, coach, and develop cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous growth
• Partner with Sales, Project Management, and Supply Chain to align production schedules, manage capacity, and meet customer deadlines
• Establish and maintain high standards for product quality and process accuracy; monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions as needed
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve profitability
• Assure that all machinery, equipment, and facilities are properly maintained for production process and kept in acceptable safe working conditions
• Champion workplace safety by enforcing policies and procedures and ensuring compliance with all regulatory and environmental standards
• Manage labor, materials, and operational costs to meet budget targets while maximizing productivity and output
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve workflows, systems, and overall team performance
• Align with and actively demonstrate company core values: We Say Yes, We Hustle, We Think Bigger, We Keep Promises, We Build People Up

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to be exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Energy, enthusiasm, initiative, a positive attitude and aptitude for running operations
• Experience in effectively leading a team
• Ability to grasp gross margin financials and favorably impact by your management decisions
• The ability to regularly use good judgment and discretion to make educated decisions for the greater good of the company
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to interpret/make data-driven decisions
• Ability to perform quality checks and follow standard work to help continuous improvement
• Willingness to learn and take direction
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to keep up in a fast-paced environment, have the ability to multi-task and reflect a positive attitude towards challenging job requirements
• Possess strong communications skills
• Align with and believe in the company core values: We Say Yes, We Hustle, We Think Bigger, We Keep Promises, We Build People Up

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Office environment working atmosphere
• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments
• Standing. Particularly for sustained periods of time
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Performing and assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness work
• Heavy work. Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
• Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Talking. Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly
• Atmospheric conditions. One or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin: fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation

Compensation and Benefits

A competitive hourly rate and/or salary is being offered and a full benefits package for all full-time positions. Benefits Package Highlights:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance coverage options
• 401K with employer match of contribution (Employer match equal to 50% of contributions to the plan, up to 6% of employee’s pay)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (Full time employees)
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance-company provided
• Reimbursement for safety glasses and/or work boots (if position requires and qualifies) Company provided safety, skill development and/or leadership training opportunities

Britten, Inc. and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristics as protected by federal, state or local law. Britten, Inc. is a drug free employer.