- Salary
- $90k – $95k
- Location
- Wadena, Minnesota
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Operations
- Seniority
- Manager
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Education
- Bachelor
- Source
- RecruiterFlow
Description
Are you an experienced operations leader who enjoys building teams, improving processes, and driving results? Our client is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee manufacturing operations for two growing product lines within a well-established manufacturing organization.
This is a highly visible leadership opportunity where you'll help shape day-to-day operations while also driving long-term strategy. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable leading from the shop floor and the conference room, balancing hands-on operational leadership with continuous improvement initiatives that support future growth.
What You'll be Doing:
- Lead all aspects of manufacturing operations, including production, materials management, inventory, procurement, and production scheduling.
- Provide visible leadership on the manufacturing floor while developing supervisors and building a culture of accountability.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles to improve quality, efficiency, and throughput.
- Oversee quality systems, defect reduction efforts, and corrective action processes.
- Partner with maintenance to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
- Manage purchasing, supplier relationships, inventory accuracy, and material flow throughout the operation.
- Develop production schedules that align customer demand, production capacity, and material availability.
- Monitor operational KPIs and use data to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a cross-functional operations team while helping build future leadership within the organization.
- Foster a safe workplace by promoting and enforcing all safety and environmental standards.
Who We're Looking For:
- Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience will also be considered.
- 10+ years of progressive operations experience within a manufacturing environment.
- At least 5 years of leadership experience with responsibility across multiple operational functions.
- Experience with Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong understanding of procurement, inventory management, production planning, and supply chain operations.
- Experience working with ERP systems; Microsoft Business Central experience is a plus.
- Data-driven leader with experience using KPIs and operational metrics to drive decision-making.
- Strong communicator who can effectively collaborate with production, sales, customer service, finance, and executive leadership.
- Hands-on leader who enjoys coaching teams while also thinking strategically.
What Our Client Offers:
- $90,000-$95,000 annually, depending on experience.
- Monday-Friday schedule.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off.
- A stable, growing manufacturing organization with long-term career advancement opportunities.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on operations while helping shape the future of the organization.