Operations Manager

our team • Madison, WI

25d • Onsite

About The Position

As the Operations Manager, you will provide hands-on leadership for the safe, reliable, and efficient execution of assembly operations. You will translate customer demand and business priorities into clear production plans, build capable teams, optimize processes using Lean principles, and manage resources to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity goals. Key to this role will be the ability to lead through growth, change, and ambiguity in a fast-paced startup environment.

Requirements

• 5-10 years of progressive leadership experience in a Lean manufacturing environment
• Experience leading through supervisors or team leaders with responsibility for production teams and operating results
• Demonstrated success improving safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and employee engagement
• Experience developing production plans, labor requirements, capacity models, staffing strategies, and recovery actions
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using ERP, MRP, production reporting, or manufacturing execution systems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in complex manufacturing, engineered-to-order, large-product assembly, or a similar industrial environment.
• Experience launching a new facility, production line, product, or major operational transfer.
• Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, standard work, visual management, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, bills of material, work instructions, production data, and key performance indicators.
• Strong floor leadership with the ability to move effectively between strategic planning and day-to-day operational problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams, establish accountability, coach leaders, and lead through growth and change.
• Strong cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to influence and align stakeholders at varying levels of the organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present business performance, risks, and recommendations to senior leaders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and urgent operational needs.
• Experience with large assemblies, overhead cranes, material-handling equipment, industrial electrical work, or mechanical systems.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous-improvement training or certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Plan, staff, schedule, and execute daily manufacturing operations to meet customer demand and on-time delivery commitments.
• Lead with a safety-first mindset, reinforce standards, address risks promptly, and build a culture of accountability, respect, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure products meet quality specifications, improve first-pass yield, investigate root causes, and sustain corrective actions in partnership with Quality and Engineering.
• Select, develop, coach, and retain supervisors and production employees while establishing clear expectations and building bench strength for future growth.
• Establish operating rhythms and track key performance indicators across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and people.
• Apply Lean principles, standard work, visual management, and structured problem solving to improve flow, labor efficiency, productivity, and cost performance.
• Translate demand into labor, shift, equipment, floor-space, and station requirements while identifying constraints and developing recovery plans.
• Align Engineering, Materials, Quality, EHS, Maintenance, Human Resources, and Shared Services around production priorities and readiness needs.
• Manage labor, overtime, consumables, equipment use, and departmental spending responsibly while supporting business objectives.
• Provide clear, fact-based updates on performance, risks, constraints, corrective actions, and resource needs to site and business leadership.

Benefits

• Generous and flexible paid time off including paid personal time off, caregiver, parental, and volunteer leave
• Competitive health insurance plans and 401(k) match, with benefits starting day one
• Competitive and performance-based compensation packages and bonus plans
• Educational assistance, leadership development programs, and recognition programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager