Senior Manager, Operations Engineering

Location: In-person, Lawrence, MA 

The Senior Manager, Operations Engineering leads Bigbelly's core engineering operations — encompassing supplier engineering, operations quality, and production/manufacturing engineering. This role ensures Bigbelly's smart, solar-powered waste and recycling systems are built with world-class quality, efficiency, and scalability. The Senior Manager will drive operational excellence across the U.S. manufacturing operation and supplier network while enabling new product introductions and supporting global growth.  

Supplier Engineering

• Oversee the supplier engineering team responsible for vendor qualification, performance, and improvement initiatives.
• Manage supplier development programs to enhance quality, delivery, and cost for key mechanical, electrical, and solar component vendors.
• Conduct supplier audits and technical reviews, lead corrective actions and continuous improvement efforts.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Procurement to align vendor capabilities with Bigbelly's product roadmap and growth plans.
• Support dual-sourcing and supplier diversification strategies to reduce risk and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Quality Engineering

• Lead the implementation of quality systems, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and suppliers.
• Oversee ISO and other regulatory system implementations and upkeep
• Oversee root-cause analysis and CAPA programs for production and field issues.
• Collaborate with the Design and NPI teams to ensure new products meet manufacturability and reliability requirements.
• Track and report on key quality metrics (first-pass yield, supplier defect rate, field failure rate, warranty claims).
• Drive reliability testing and design-for-manufacturing/quality practices.

Production/Manufacturing Engineering

• Manage the production engineering team responsible for assembly line design, process optimisation, and tooling/fixture development.
• Lead continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives to increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve ergonomics and safety.
• Partner with Manufacturing to troubleshoot production issues, optimise build processes, and support on-time delivery targets.
• Support the launch of new products and technologies into full production at the Methuen facility, ensuring readiness for scaling.

Leadership & Strategy

• Build and mentor a high-performing, cross-functional engineering team covering quality, production, and supplier engineering.
• Translate strategic objectives into tactical plans that improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Supply Chain, and Operations to achieve corporate performance goals.
• Manage department budgets, staffing plans, and capital improvement projects.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and sustainability aligned with Bigbelly's mission.

 Required:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering (Master's preferred).
• 20+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations engineering, including 3–5 years in leadership roles.
• Experience managing vendor/supplier engineering, quality systems, and production process improvement.
• Proven ability to lead teams in a mixed electromechanical production environment (solar systems, electronics, IoT products, or similar).
• Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong data-driven decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical and business teams.

ERP/MRP experience and familiarity with ISO 9001 or comparable quality standards preferred