Manufacturing Operations Manager (Barre)

Position Title:

Operations Manager Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Triex Company:

Triex (Massive Dimension & Filabot) Location:

Barre, VT

Company Overview: Triex is an end-of-arm 3D printing technology business serving leading additive manufacturing OEMs in high-growth markets, including end-of-arm 3D printing, large-format deposition, waste-stream recycling, and full robotic cell integration.

Driven by a mission to reduce global plastic waste, Triex brings together engineers, product builders, and brand leaders to deliver sustainable, scalable additive manufacturing solutions. We innovate continuously to provide adaptive, turnkey robotic systems that enable production efficiency and market differentiation.

Position Summary: The Manufacturing Operations Manager is responsible for end-to-end operational execution for a small technology company that outsources manufacturing to a contract manufacturing partner. This role owns day-to-day management of the contract manufacturer relationship and ensures the timely, cost-effective delivery of quality product. Scope includes supply chain, production planning, inventory management, shipping/receiving, and operational performance reporting. The role partners closely with Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Customer Operations to translate demand into supply and to continuously improve operational outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Contract Manufacturing Management Own the operational relationship with the contract manufacturer (CM), serving as the primary point of contact for schedules, builds, constraints, priorities, and performance. Establish and manage governance routines (MRP/build plan reviews, weekly operational calls, KPI reviews, quarterly business reviews). Ensure CM adherence to agreed service levels for on-time delivery, lead times, quality, responsiveness, and cost. Coordinate readiness for engineering changes, new product introductions (NPI), and production transfers as needed.

Supply Chain and Procurement Execution Manage material availability to support production plans, including coordination of purchased components, supplier lead times, and critical shortages. Partner with the CM on procurement responsibilities (clear delineation of who buys what) and ensure timely purchase order placement, confirmations, and expediting. Identify single-source and long-lead risks; implement mitigation plans (alternate sources, buffers, last-time-buys, safety stock). Support cost management through supplier negotiations (as applicable), should-cost discussions, and ongoing BOM cost reductions.

Production Planning and Scheduling Convert demand signals (forecast, customer orders, S&OP decisions) into executable production plans and build schedules at the CM. Maintain and communicate a rolling production plan (e.g., 13-week) and longer-range capacity outlook (e.g., 6–12 months). Monitor capacity, constraints, and yield/throughput; proactively adjust plans and communicate impacts to stakeholders. Track WIP and finished goods status and drive resolution of blockers to shipment.

Inventory Management Own inventory strategy and controls across raw materials, WIP (as applicable), and finished goods, including safety stock and reorder policies. Maintain accurate inventory records and cycle count programs (directly or via CM/3PL) and resolve discrepancies. Manage inventory health (excess/obsolete/slow-moving) and drive corrective actions with cross-functional partners. Provide inventory reporting and analytics to support financial close and working capital targets.

Shipping, Receiving, and Logistics Oversee outbound shipping performance from CM and/or 3PL to customers, including on-time shipment and freight cost management. Manage inbound receiving processes (components, returns, transfers) and ensure proper disposition and traceability. Coordinate with Customer Operations on shipment priorities, delivery requirements, export documentation (if applicable), and issue resolution. Own logistics partners and processes as applicable (freight forwarders, couriers, 3PLs), including performance monitoring.

Operational Excellence, Systems, and Reporting Define and monitor KPIs (OTD, lead time, yield, scrap, inventory turns, shortages, expedite costs) and drive corrective actions. Lead structured problem solving for operational issues (late shipments, quality escapes, material shortages) with clear root cause and action plans. Support and improve operational systems and data flows (ERP/MRP, PLM/BOM, EDI portals, CM reporting). Ensure compliance with company procedures and relevant regulatory/customer requirements (as applicable).

Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or equivalent experience. 5+ years of progressive operations/supply chain/manufacturing experience, including managing outsourced manufacturing or contract manufacturers. Demonstrated experience in production planning, inventory management, and supplier/CM performance management. Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and strong proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets; ability to create operational dashboards and KPIs. Strong cross-functional communication skills and ability to manage ambiguity in a small-company environment.

Preferred Qualifications Experience in electronics, electromechanical assemblies, medical device, robotics, or other technology hardware environments. Experience supporting NPI, engineering change control, and production ramp/scale activities. Familiarity with ISO 9001/13485 environments, traceability, and lot control (if relevant to your industry). Experience managing 3PL relationships and global logistics.

Core Competencies Vendor/partner management and accountability setting Planning rigor and operational execution under deadlines Data-driven decision making and structured problem solving Strong judgment, prioritization, and stakeholder management Continuous improvement mindset and process discipline Advanced problem-solving & decision-making. Drives and Delivers Results Action Orientation: Operates with urgency and accountability. Resource Focus: Concentrates on cost reduction, product differentiation, and development of future technical capabilities aligned with company strategy.

Success Metrics Improved on-time delivery and schedule adherence at the CM Reduced shortages and expedite costs through better planning and supplier management Increased inventory accuracy and improved inventory turns/working capital performance Established stable operating cadence (weekly reviews, KPI reporting, QBRs) with measurable CM performance improvements

What It’s Like to Work at Triex Working at Triex means operating in a hands-on, fast-paced environment where engineering quality and accountability matter. We believe in building it right. Products are designed, tested, and documented to perform reliably in the field. We operate as one team across two brands, sharing standards and knowledge to strengthen the platform. We practice accountability: direct communication, high standards, and real solutions. And most importantly, customer problems are our problems: we listen carefully, respond quickly, and work until issues are fully resolved.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including five weeks of paid time off in addition to national holidays, healthcare benefits, and daily fruit, snacks and light meals provided. We believe in building serious products and supporting the people who build them.