General Manager - Manufacturing

Sonny's Enterprises•Savage, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Sonny's Enterprises is the world's largest manufacturer of conveyorized car wash equipment, parts, and supplies. We are the industry leader, recognized and awarded by the International Car Wash Association for innovating new technologies to advance the industry with products proudly designed and built in the USA. Our culture thrives on finding new and better ways to accelerate what’s next. We embrace change and the opportunity it produces to maximize the potential of our most valuable resource — our PEOPLE! We invite you to explore our opportunities and grow your career with us. We are seeking a strategic and hands-on General Manager – Manufacturing to lead all manufacturing operations within our car wash backroom division. This role is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end production process, ensuring high-quality output, on-time delivery, operational efficiency, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in manufacturing leadership, lean process improvement, and team development within an industrial or automotive-related environment.

Requirements

Strategic Manufacturing Leadership – Proven experience in manufacturing operations with responsibility for production planning, quality assurance, process improvement, and plant efficiency.
Demonstrated ability to align operational goals with overall business strategy to drive growth and scalability.
Production & Operations Management – Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Skilled in reducing waste, improving throughput, and increasing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Financial Acumen – Strong grasp of budget development, P&L management, cost reduction, and capital project planning.
Ability to interpret financial reports and drive profitability through operational efficiency.
Technical Expertise – Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), inventory management, and scheduling software.
Proficient in applying data analytics to solve operational problems and improve process visibility.
Regulatory Compliance & Safety – Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and relevant safety and environmental regulations.
Proven ability to implement and enforce safety programs to ensure workplace compliance and minimize risk.
Leadership & Team Development – Demonstrated success in building and leading cross-functional teams.
Ability to coach, mentor, and manage performance while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
Communication Skills – Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and work collaboratively across departments and leadership levels.
Cross-Functional Collaboration – Ability to work closely with engineering, procurement, sales, and customer service to meet production goals and support product development and customer needs.
Change Management – Experience leading organizational or process changes in dynamic environments.
Skilled in engaging employees, managing resistance, and sustaining improvements.
Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis – Expertise in identifying process bottlenecks, implementing corrective actions, and preventing recurrence.
Comfortable using tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and FMEA.
Time & Resource Management – Effective at managing multiple projects, prioritizing tasks, and allocating resources to meet demanding timelines and customer expectations.
Decision Making & Judgment – Skilled in evaluating options based on cost, risk, and impact.
Makes timely and effective decisions in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or related field.
7-10 years’ experience in a leadership role.
TPS and Lean Manufacturing experience

Responsibilities

Oversee all manufacturing operations including production, quality control, maintenance, and logistics.
Plan, schedule, and execute production to align with demand forecasts.
Implement lean manufacturing practices to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing production team.
Foster a culture focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with quality standards and all applicable OSHA, EPA, and industry regulations.
Drive operational excellence through root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
Manage departmental budgets, capital expenditures, and cost-saving initiatives.
Optimize supply chain efficiency and vendor relationships to control costs.
Collaborate cross-functionally to support new product launches and provide technical input to sales and marketing.
Additional duties as assigned.