INTERIM CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER IE FIDS, LLC

Ontario, CA Job Details Full-time $104,364.57 - $150,000.00 a year 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Paid sick time Qualifications EHS Team leadership Safety regulations Manufacturing budget management Small business experience Manufacturing facility experience Driver's License Bachelor's degree Profit & Loss statement Accounting and finance experience Implementing quality control processes for products Managing manufacturing teams Production scheduling Process management Manufacturing company experience Senior leadership

Full Job Description Position Overview Job Title:

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / President of the

Board Locations:

Ontario, California and Mishawaka, Indiana Classification:

Full-Time, Exempt Travel Required:

Regular travel between both plant locations (approximately 20-40%) This is a hands-on, 5 days a week in person working COO role designed for an experienced operations leader who thrives in a small manufacturing environment. The COO will be actively involved in day-to-day plant operations while providing operational and strategic leadership to drive efficiency, quality, and growth across both California and Indiana facilities. This is not a behind-the-desk position; the right candidate rolls up their sleeves and works alongside the team. To carry out these responsibilities effectively, the COO must be present at one of the facilities each day. Company Overview We are a small manufacturing company with production facilities in Ontario, California and Mishawaka, Indiana. Our operations are built on quality craftsmanship and a team-first culture. As we scale, we are seeking a seasoned operations leader who can bring structure and process improvement while maintaining the agility that defines a successful small manufacturer. Core Responsibilities Hands-On Operations Leadership Actively participate in daily plant operations at both locations, working alongside production staff to troubleshoot issues and maintain output standards Oversee all manufacturing processes, production scheduling, and workflow management across Ontario and Mishawaka facilities Monitor production metrics, identify bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions in real time Maintain a visible, accessible presence on the plant floor, lead by example in safety, quality, and productivity Coordinate production schedules across both facilities to optimize capacity and meet customer delivery commitments Multi-Site Management Serve as the operational point of contact for both Ontario, CA and Mishawaka, IN plants Establish consistent operating standards, procedures, and performance benchmarks across both locations Conduct regular site visits to each facility to assess performance, coach plant supervisors, and address operational issues Coordinate logistics, inventory, and materials flow between the two plants as needed Champion a culture of quality throughout both facilities, ensuring all products meet company standards and customer specifications Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOP's) Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) HR & People Operations Responsibilities The senior leader responsible for all human resources functions in the absence of a dedicated HR department. This role ensures the organization's people practices are compliant, effective, and aligned with business objectives while fostering a positive and productive workplace culture. Oversee all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee development, and offboarding processes Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook in full compliance with applicable federal, California state, and local labor and employment laws Ensure organizational compliance with all labor regulations, including wage and hour laws (FLSA and California Labor Code), employee classification (exempt/non-exempt and independent contractor standards such as AB5), workplace safety (Cal/OSHA), anti-discrimination and harassment laws (FEHA/EEO), and leave laws (FMLA, CFRA, paid sick leave, and other California-specific mandates) Monitor changes in California and federal labor laws and proactively update company policies, practices, postings, and documentation to maintain ongoing compliance Lead talent acquisition efforts, including workforce planning, job description development, candidate evaluation, and hiring decisions in accordance with fair hiring laws and pay transparency requirements Manage employee relations issues by addressing concerns, conducting investigations, resolving conflicts, and ensuring consistent, legally compliant application of policies Design and administer compensation and benefits programs to ensure competitiveness, internal equity, and compliance with California wage laws, including overtime rules, meal and rest break requirements, and minimum salary thresholds IT Administration & Cybersecurity Responsibilities (Low-Tech Environment / California Compliance) The senior leader responsible for overseeing all information technology (IT) administration and cybersecurity functions in a low-tech environment without a dedicated IT department. This role focuses on maintaining reliable day-to-day technology operations, safeguarding company and customer data, and ensuring compliance with California data privacy laws. Oversee basic IT operations, including management of computers, internet connectivity, email systems, file storage, and common business software (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, accounting or CRM systems) Establish and maintain practical, right-sized IT policies and procedures to support a low-complexity environment while minimizing operational disruption Implement and manage foundational cybersecurity measures appropriate for a small business, including antivirus/endpoint protection, secure Wi-Fi configuration, firewall protections, and regular system updates Enforce essential security practices such as strong password requirements, multi-factor authentication (MFA) for critical systems, and controlled access to sensitive company and customer data Ensure proper user access management, including onboarding and offboarding processes to grant and revoke system access in a timely and secure manner Oversee secure data storage practices, including appropriate use of cloud systems, shared drives, and physical records where applicable Coordinate simple, reliable data backup processes (e.g., cloud backups or external drives) and ensure the organization can recover critical data in the event of loss or system failure Monitor for common cybersecurity risks such as phishing emails, unauthorized access attempts, and improper data handling; coordinate response with external IT or security vendors as needed Ensure compliance with California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) requirements, including: Team Leadership and Workforce Development Directly manage plant supervisors, production leads, and department heads at both locations Develop robust Job Descriptions for all positions and a review process and career path planning for the team Recruit, onboard, and develop production staff Conduct performance reviews, provide ongoing coaching, and build succession depth Foster a positive, accountable, and safety-first workplace culture Resolve employee relations issues promptly and in compliance with applicable employment law in California and Indiana Safety and Regulatory Compliance Own all environmental health and safety programs across both facilities Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, state-specific workplace safety requirements, and company safety policies Conduct regular safety audits, incident investigations, and corrective action follow-through Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, California, and Indiana manufacturing and environmental regulations Financial Oversight and Budget Management Partner with Board of Directors to develop and manage operational budgets for both plants Monitor and report on operational expenses, labor costs, and overhead against budgeted targets in QuickBooks Evaluate capital expenditure needs and present business cases for equipment investment Supply Chain and Vendor Management Oversee procurement of raw materials, components, and production supplies for both facilities Build and manage relationships with key vendors and suppliers to ensure reliability, cost, and quality Monitor inventory levels to avoid production disruptions while minimizing excess working capital Coordinate logistics and shipping operations to meet customer delivery requirements Attend industry conferences and enhance and develop marketing efforts for the company Strategic Planning and Reporting Work directly with the CEO to develop and execute the company's operational strategy Provide regular reporting on plant performance, operational challenges, and improvement progress Support business development efforts by providing accurate capacity, lead time, and cost information Assist in evaluating new equipment, technology, and operational capabilities to support growth Required Qualifications Minimum 7 years of progressive operations or manufacturing management experience Demonstrable experience working in a small manufacturing company (under 50 employees) Proven track record as a working, hands-on leader who actively participates in plant floor operations Multi-site management experience preferred Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, production scheduling, and quality systems Solid understanding of OSHA and workplace safety requirements Strong financial acumen including experience with budgeting, cost control, and operational P&L Experience with QuickBooks in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable engaging with both plant floor employees and executive leadership Required to be in-person 5 days a week. No remote work is available for this position. Willingness and ability to travel regularly between Ontario, CA and Mishawaka, IN (approximately 20 to 40% travel) Valid driver's license and ability to travel by air as needed Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field (equivalent experience considered in lieu of degree) Familiarity with California labor laws and Indiana employment regulations Proficiency with QuickBooks; ability to review financial reports, manage vendor transactions, and support basic accounting functions within the platform Background in metals, plastics, fabrication, assembly, or similar manufacturing Compensation and Benefits Compensation is commensurate with experience and reflective of the scope of this role in a small manufacturing environment. The company offers a competitive package including: Base salary commensurate with experience Performance-based bonus opportunity Health, dental, and vision insurance Paid time off and holidays Equal Opportunity Employer This company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

Pay:

$104,364.57 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance

Experience:

operations or manufacturing management: 7 years (Required) Willingness to travel: 25% (Required)

Work Location:

In person