Manufacturing Manager
About the Company
A leading precision manufacturing company specializing in close-tolerance components for medical device and other regulated industries. The business supports OEM customers with demanding quality and performance requirements and operates in a highly technical, fast-paced environment. The culture emphasizes accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, with leaders expected to be engaged, visible, and hands-on.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Manager to lead a technically advanced manufacturing team supporting CNC machining and precision production processes. This role requires deep technical credibility, strong leadership presence, and the ability to operate as a true player/coach. This is not a desk role. The successful candidate will be comfortable working on the floor, troubleshooting complex manufacturing challenges, and developing a highly skilled technical team.
Position Summary
The Manufacturing Manager will lead a team of focused on optimizing manufacturing processes, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and supporting new product introductions. This role is both strategic and hands-on, balancing leadership responsibilities with deep technical engagement in a high-mix, low-volume production environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing and process professionals supporting daily production and long-term operational objectives
- Serve as a technical authority within the organization, particularly in CNC machining and precision manufacturing
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies
- Own the full process validation lifecycle (IQ/OQ/PQ) for new and existing products in compliance with regulatory and customer requirements
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Operations, and Program Management on New Product Introductions (NPI)
- Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process flow diagrams, and PFMEAs
- Evaluate, specify, and implement new equipment, tooling, and automation to improve capability and repeatability
- Act as the technical liaison between engineering, production, and customers on manufacturability and process capability
- Maintain a strong shop-floor presence to support real-time problem solving and team development
Desired Skills and Experience
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- 7+ years of experience in manufacturing or manufacturing engineering, including at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role
- Strong technical background in CNC machining, precision fabrication, or similar close-tolerance processes
- Experience in medical device manufacturing or other regulated environments (ISO 9001 experience acceptable)
- Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma tools, and process validation
- Proven ability to lead from the floor and coach technical teams
- Direct communication style with resilience and comfort operating in high-expectation environments
- Ability to communicate at a high technical level and develop advanced manufacturing talent
Submit Your Resume
ABOUT SKYWATER SEARCH
Start with your Short List
Led by a group of seasoned search industry professionals, SkyWater Search Partners brings new focus to a novel concept, “Short List Search.” Our purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the clients we serve by providing individuals who will make a measurable difference in their business. We strive to consistently deliver great results to our clients in a very timely manner.
Practice Areas
Our practice areas are led by highly experienced executive recruiters who take great care in fully understanding client requirements and candidate qualifications.
• Accounting and Finance
• Information Technology
• Operations
• Engineering
• Sales
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Construction
• Supply Chain
• Consumer Package Goods (CPG)
Founded on long-standing relationships and hundreds of successful placements throughout the Twin Cities business community, SkyWater Search Partners is a proven resource for clients and candidates looking to quickly and confidently explore their “short list” of best choices. Count on us to find the best people – and the best fit.