Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Virginia
Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs in Virginia are in strong and consistent demand, concentrated in defense manufacturing, shipbuilding, food and beverage processing, and industrial equipment production, with openings at every level from floor supervisor to plant director. The heaviest hiring is in the Hampton Roads corridor, Northern Virginia, and the Richmond metro, where employers like Huntington Ingalls Industries, Northrop Grumman, and Kraft Heinz maintain major production and operations facilities. The most sought-after specializations in Virginia are lean manufacturing leadership, defense and government contract compliance, and continuous improvement program management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 5+ Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs
Looking for more manufacturing operations manager jobs?
Explore related role searches to find more openings that fit.
See related jobsPlumbing Operations Supervisor - Manufacturing
Location: Richmond, VA
Reports To: Manufacturing Manager / Operations Leadership
Pay Range: $30.00 – $36.00 per hour
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Warehouse & Plumbing Operations Supervisor to oversee daily warehouse and plumbing-related operational activities while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency. This role is responsible for leading warehouse and field/shop personnel including Supervisors, Plumbers, Apprentices, and Helpers while ensuring all work aligns with company policies, plumbing codes, and customer requirements.
The ideal candidate is a strong operational leader with experience managing teams in a fast-paced plumbing, mechanical, or construction environment. This individual will drive productivity, support continuous improvement initiatives, and maintain a culture focused on safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
Who we are:
At ColonialWebb, we are deeply committed to our people, our culture, and the continued growth of our business. As a full-service MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) contractor, we pride ourselves on the quality and expertise of our teams, who work across a diverse range of specialties, including New Construction, Mechanical Service, Industrial Refrigeration, and Manufacturing. For over 50 years, we've been dedicated to delivering comprehensive solutions and unmatched service to our commercial customers, earning a reputation as a trusted contractor in the industry.
What you will do:
Operational Leadership
- Supervise and coordinate daily warehouse operations and plumbing-related activities (prefabrication, material staging, and jobsite support).
- Ensure all plumbing work aligns with company procedures, local/state plumbing codes, and project specifications.
- Plan and manage workflow, manpower, and operational goals while maintaining efficiency and minimizing downtime.
- Monitor team performance and address operational challenges to maintain productivity and meet project deadlines.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Maintain high quality standards through inspections of materials, prefabrication assemblies, and work processes.
- Promote continuous improvement initiatives including Lean principles such as 5S, Kaizen, and standardized work practices.
- Identify and implement process improvements that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve installation readiness.
Resource & Inventory Management
- Manage workforce productivity, manpower allocation, and tool/equipment utilization.
- Oversee inventory processes including receiving, storage, and tracking of plumbing materials (pipe, fittings, valves, fixtures).
- Ensure materials and prefabricated assemblies are available and staged to support project schedules.
- Coordinate with procurement and project teams to maintain proper material flow.
Safety & Compliance
- Enforce company safety policies and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and plumbing safety standards.
- Promote safe handling of tools, materials, and equipment used in plumbing operations.
- Conduct regular safety meetings and support incident investigations and corrective actions.
- Maintain a strong culture of safety awareness across warehouse and plumbing teams.
Team Leadership & Development
- Ensure employees are properly trained in plumbing practices, code requirements, and safety procedures.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to support employee development.
- Address performance issues while maintaining a positive and productive work environment.
- Maintain strong communication with leadership, project managers, and field teams.
You should have:
- Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience in plumbing, mechanical construction, or related operations.
- Strong understanding of plumbing systems, materials, and installation practices.
- Knowledge of plumbing codes and standards (local, state, and/or IPC/UPC).
- Experience supporting prefabrication or material staging for construction projects is a plus.
- Working knowledge of Lean principles including 5S and continuous improvement practices.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with solid analytical and administrative skills.
- Experience managing manpower allocation and operational productivity.
- Proficiency with modern technology including laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and jobsite safety standards.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Journeyperson Plumber license preferred.
- Master Plumber license is a plus.
- Experience in commercial or industrial plumbing projects.
- Certifications such as OSHA 10/30 or Lean Manufacturing.
- Experience using ERP, MRP, or inventory/WMS systems.
- Experience with plumbing prefabrication processes.
EOE M/W/Disability/Vets
- Veterans and those with previous military experience are encouraged to apply
Plumbing Operations Supervisor - Manufacturing
Location: Richmond, VA
Reports To: Manufacturing Manager / Operations Leadership
Pay Range: $30.00 – $36.00 per hour
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Warehouse & Plumbing Operations Supervisor to oversee daily warehouse and plumbing-related operational activities while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency. This role is responsible for leading warehouse and field/shop personnel including Supervisors, Plumbers, Apprentices, and Helpers while ensuring all work aligns with company policies, plumbing codes, and customer requirements.
The ideal candidate is a strong operational leader with experience managing teams in a fast-paced plumbing, mechanical, or construction environment. This individual will drive productivity, support continuous improvement initiatives, and maintain a culture focused on safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
Who we are:
At ColonialWebb, we are deeply committed to our people, our culture, and the continued growth of our business. As a full-service MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) contractor, we pride ourselves on the quality and expertise of our teams, who work across a diverse range of specialties, including New Construction, Mechanical Service, Industrial Refrigeration, and Manufacturing. For over 50 years, we've been dedicated to delivering comprehensive solutions and unmatched service to our commercial customers, earning a reputation as a trusted contractor in the industry.
What you will do:
Operational Leadership
- Supervise and coordinate daily warehouse operations and plumbing-related activities (prefabrication, material staging, and jobsite support).
- Ensure all plumbing work aligns with company procedures, local/state plumbing codes, and project specifications.
- Plan and manage workflow, manpower, and operational goals while maintaining efficiency and minimizing downtime.
- Monitor team performance and address operational challenges to maintain productivity and meet project deadlines.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Maintain high quality standards through inspections of materials, prefabrication assemblies, and work processes.
- Promote continuous improvement initiatives including Lean principles such as 5S, Kaizen, and standardized work practices.
- Identify and implement process improvements that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve installation readiness.
Resource & Inventory Management
- Manage workforce productivity, manpower allocation, and tool/equipment utilization.
- Oversee inventory processes including receiving, storage, and tracking of plumbing materials (pipe, fittings, valves, fixtures).
- Ensure materials and prefabricated assemblies are available and staged to support project schedules.
- Coordinate with procurement and project teams to maintain proper material flow.
Safety & Compliance
- Enforce company safety policies and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and plumbing safety standards.
- Promote safe handling of tools, materials, and equipment used in plumbing operations.
- Conduct regular safety meetings and support incident investigations and corrective actions.
- Maintain a strong culture of safety awareness across warehouse and plumbing teams.
Team Leadership & Development
- Ensure employees are properly trained in plumbing practices, code requirements, and safety procedures.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to support employee development.
- Address performance issues while maintaining a positive and productive work environment.
- Maintain strong communication with leadership, project managers, and field teams.
You should have:
- Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience in plumbing, mechanical construction, or related operations.
- Strong understanding of plumbing systems, materials, and installation practices.
- Knowledge of plumbing codes and standards (local, state, and/or IPC/UPC).
- Experience supporting prefabrication or material staging for construction projects is a plus.
- Working knowledge of Lean principles including 5S and continuous improvement practices.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with solid analytical and administrative skills.
- Experience managing manpower allocation and operational productivity.
- Proficiency with modern technology including laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and jobsite safety standards.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Journeyperson Plumber license preferred.
- Master Plumber license is a plus.
- Experience in commercial or industrial plumbing projects.
- Certifications such as OSHA 10/30 or Lean Manufacturing.
- Experience using ERP, MRP, or inventory/WMS systems.
- Experience with plumbing prefabrication processes.
EOE M/W/Disability/Vets
- Veterans and those with previous military experience are encouraged to apply
See All 5 Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsManufacturing Operations Manager Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Operations Manager Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing operations manager jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing, operations management, or a related field
- Five or more years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience including direct supervisory responsibility
- Demonstrated proficiency with lean manufacturing principles such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, or 5S methodologies
- Experience managing production schedules, supply chain coordination, and quality assurance processes
- Familiarity with OSHA safety standards and Virginia workplace safety compliance requirements
- Proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics for production planning and reporting
Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing operations manager in Virginia?
Most Virginia employers expect a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, operations management, or a related technical field, combined with several years of progressive shop floor or production leadership experience. There is no state-issued license required specifically for this role in Virginia. Candidates who have earned a Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification, or a Certified Manufacturing Engineer credential through SME, consistently stand out in Virginia's defense and industrial manufacturing markets.
How much do manufacturing operations managers make in Virginia?
Manufacturing operations managers in Virginia earn a median of about $128,230 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $83,390 for the lowest 10% to over $206,820 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire manufacturing operations managers in Virginia?
Employers hiring manufacturing operations managers in Virginia right now include IPG, PM, and ColonialWebb, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's concentration of defense contractors and large-scale food and industrial manufacturers means demand for this role remains steady across both coastal and inland regions of the state.
Which Virginia cities have the most manufacturing operations manager jobs?
Richmond, Reston, and Danville have the most manufacturing operations manager openings in Virginia. Hampton Roads drives a large share of those listings because of its density of shipbuilding, defense, and advanced manufacturing operations, while Richmond and Northern Virginia contribute heavily through food processing, pharmaceutical, and government-contract manufacturing employers headquartered or operating in those corridors.
Are there remote manufacturing operations manager jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of manufacturing operations manager openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which reflects the hands-on, plant-floor nature of most roles in this field. The portions of the job most likely to allow remote flexibility are scheduling, reporting, and continuous improvement project work rather than direct production oversight.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing operations manager in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving up from a production supervisor, shift lead, or quality technician role at a Virginia manufacturer, where you build the floor-level credibility these positions require. Large Virginia employers in shipbuilding and defense, including those based in the Hampton Roads area, often promote internally from operations coordinator and industrial technician roles. Earning a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or completing a Virginia community college workforce development program in operations management makes a candidate significantly more competitive for that first step into management.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing operations manager jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to manufacturing operations manager jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across the state's major manufacturing hubs. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 5 Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs