Operations Manager
An established manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead a large-scale production operation in the Detroit Lakes/Perham area. This is a highly visible leadership opportunity overseeing approximately 200 employees through frontline supervisors and team leaders. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in manufacturing operations, Lean/Continuous Improvement, and people leadership, with the ability to improve operational performance while developing the next generation of frontline leaders. This position offers a strong long-term career path as they promote within.
Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day operations for a manufacturing area of approximately 200 employees
- Provide leadership and direction to frontline supervisors, team leaders, support staff, and production employees
- Establish expectations and drive accountability for safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance
- Develop, coach, and mentor supervisors and team leaders
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on eliminating waste, improving flow, increasing productivity, and reducing costs
- Utilize Lean tools including value stream mapping, line balancing, flow improvement, visual management, and structured problem-solving
- Identify operational bottlenecks and develop solutions to improve throughput and manufacturing performance
- Monitor key performance indicators and communicate results, opportunities, and action plans
- Partner with cross-functional teams on production planning, forecasting, new product introductions, and operational execution
- Identify and prioritize resources needed to achieve annual operating plans and budgets
- Drive improvements in scrap, rework, labor efficiency, productivity, and overall manufacturing costs
- Foster a positive employee environment by listening to employees, addressing concerns, and supporting career development
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
- Support the transition of new products, processes, and technologies into manufacturing
- Participate in project reviews, performance meetings, and operational planning activities
- Work closely with site leadership to achieve overall plant objectives
Desired Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field
- 10+ years of progressive manufacturing/operations experience
- Demonstrated progression in leadership responsibility, ideally from supervisor through manager-level roles
- Experience leading large-scale manufacturing operations through frontline supervisors and team leaders
- Lean Six Sigma experience; Green Belt required, Black Belt preferred
- Proven track record of leading continuous improvement initiatives
- Experience with operational planning, forecasting, production execution, and performance management
- Strong understanding of manufacturing safety, quality, productivity, cost, and delivery metrics
- Ability to work effectively in a structured, matrixed organization
- Strong communication, problem-solving, coaching, and employee-development skills
- Ability to build relationships with frontline employees while maintaining accountability for performance
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