Operational Manager

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Lenovo is a US$83 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #153 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world's largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo's continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY).

Operational Manager

Location: Whitsett, North Carolina Job Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

Lenovo is seeking a strategic, results-driven Operational Manager to lead manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence at our Whitsett, North Carolina facility. This leader will be responsible for overall manufacturing performance, including production, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, safety, workforce leadership, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in server manufacturing, enterprise hardware, data center infrastructure, or technology/electronics manufacturing, along with proven experience leading large-scale manufacturing operations, developing high-performing teams, and driving Lean-based operational improvements. This role partners closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Finance, Program Management, and executive leadership to deliver operational efficiency, scalability, customer satisfaction, and business results.

Job Responsibilities

1. Lead all manufacturing operations to achieve production, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and safety objectives while ensuring alignment with business and customer requirements.
2. Direct day-to-day plant operations, including production planning, workforce management, resource allocation, and operational execution across complex assembly, integration, testing, and product configuration environments.
3. Build, develop, and lead high-performing teams by providing coaching, performance management, succession planning, and employee development for managers, supervisors, engineers, technicians, and production personnel.
4. Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Operational Excellence initiatives to improve productivity, OEE, yield, throughput, quality, labor efficiency, and cost performance.
5. Establish and manage KPIs and performance metrics, leveraging data-driven decision-making to identify opportunities, remove bottlenecks, and improve operational results.
6. Partner cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Finance, and Program Management to support product launches, manufacturing readiness, process improvements, and business growth.
7. Manage operational budgets, forecasting, resource planning, capital investments, and cost-reduction programs to achieve financial performance objectives.
8. Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, regulatory, and company standards while maintaining accountability for EHS, quality, and business continuity performance.

Job Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
2. 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, production, or operations management, including leadership of large-scale manufacturing organizations.
3. Demonstrated success driving operational improvements, productivity gains, quality improvements, cost reductions, and sustainable business performance.
4. Experience managing production planning, quality systems, operational metrics, workforce planning, resource allocation, and manufacturing execution.
5. Experience supporting server manufacturing, enterprise hardware manufacturing, data center infrastructure products, or comparable technology/electronics manufacturing operations.
6. Experience leading manufacturing environments involving complex assembly, systems integration, production testing, product configuration, or high-volume technology manufacturing.
7. Strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Operational Excellence, process optimization, KPI management, and continuous improvement methodologies.
8. Experience with ERP, MES, SAP, and manufacturing performance management systems.
9. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and communicate effectively with executive leadership.
10. MBA and/or Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Operational Excellence certifications are preferred.
11. Experience presenting operational strategy, business performance, and financial results to senior leadership is preferred.
12. Recent experience supporting server manufacturing, enterprise computing products, rack integration, data center infrastructure products, or technology hardware manufacturing is strongly preferred.
13. Experience with DWC products, programs, manufacturing operations, or similar Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) environments is strongly preferred.

Preferred Candidate Profile

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Recent server manufacturing experience (highest priority).
• Experience supporting DWC products or programs.
• Background in technology or electronics manufacturing.
• Proven manufacturing operations leadership within large-scale production environments.
• Plant and/or multi-site leadership experience.
• Strong Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and KPI improvement expertise.
• Experience with SAP, ERP, and MES systems.
• Track record of improving productivity, OEE, throughput, quality, inventory management, labor efficiency, and cost performance.
• Executive presence with the ability to drive results across multiple functions and levels of the organization.