VP of Operations

Kinperium-Hiniker LLC•Mankato, MN

just now

About The Position

Kinperium-Hiniker LLC (Hiniker) is a Minnesota based manufacturer. With roots in the agricultural equipment industry going back to 1970 and continuing today, we know how to build tough, productive, reliable equipment. Hiniker is known for sturdy cultivators, efficient shredders, and niche equipment such as the cover crop seeder and NH3 monitors. In 1995, Hiniker branched into designing and manufacturing snow removal equipment, which is a trusted tool for many. Hiniker snow and ice equipment is built to enable the operator to work as efficiently as possible. We do this with innovative and purpose-built designs like the Hiniker C-Plow and the Hiniker Scoop Plow. We also manufacture a line of spreaders and skid steer plows. In 2024, we expanded our offerings with the acquisition of Daniels Plows, further strengthening our commitment to high-quality snow removal solutions. We are currently seeking a VP of Operations to help our team grow. This position requires a “hands-on” manufacturing executive who is skilled and knowledgeable in assessing, managing, implementing, and monitoring all production, purchasing, manufacturing, and logistic requirements of a dynamic manufacturing company in the snow equipment and agricultural products industry. . The executive will report to the CEO/President and work closely with both the President and General Manager on managing the day-to-day needs of the company, as well as execute on short-term and long-term goals established by management and the board of directors. The VP of Operations will provide leadership to the Operations teams to become change agents that promote continuous improvement, coach & teach associates, and deliver results that exceed customer expectations. The VP of Operations role requires transformational leadership, critical thinking, attention to detail, organizational and planning expertise, and solid judgment to deliver the safety, quality, cost and productivity requirements of the business. This role has a major effect on the financial results of the organization, and a degree of financial acumen is required to link operational performance with revenue and profit. and profit.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related profession.
Extensive experience (min 15 years) in managing a manufacturing environment, with preferred experience with operations consisting of metal fabrication, welding, assembly and kitting of completed components.
Experience as a plant manager, manufacturing manager, or sourcing/supply chain manager, or a combination of each is highly desired.
Ability to translate business strategy into specific team objectives, break down organizational boundaries through collaboration, build strong relationships based on trust with all levels of employees, and establish a track record of personal engagement with customers, partners and suppliers.
Familiarity with manufacturing systems such as Epicor.
Experience in cross-border (Canada to US) operations is an asset.
Experience implementing large-scale initiatives, tracking results, and reporting outcome to the leadership team.
Technical proficiency in all areas of manufacturing, supply chain management, and quality systems.
Excellent leadership skills, as evidenced by a record of accomplishment of hiring, retaining, developing and motivating top manufacturing talent.
Understanding large capital equipment process in manufacturing.
Advanced knowledge of lean manufacturing systems, processes, products, and customers.
Identifies strategic opportunities for operations and demonstrates the ability to think beyond the current situation and visualize innovative and visionary approaches to broad business challenges.
Ability to identify and manage key cost drivers and efficiency opportunities.
Personal commitment to organizational excellence, honesty, integrity, and a strong sense of ethics in all decisions and actions.
Experience in preparing internal and external reporting to support key decision making and the achievement of organizational objectives.
Ability to partner effectively with Finance, Sales, Human Resources and Executive teams.
A strong communicator with effective presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a plant manager, manufacturing manager, or sourcing/supply chain manager, or a combination of each is highly desired.
Experience in cross-border (Canada to US) operations is an asset.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement lean process improvements to create an efficient manufacturing operation that exceed customer expectations.
Develop manufacturing roadmap for capital investments and process improvements that deliver consistent, measurable manufacturing results.
Develop and monitor daily metrics for plant performance that enhance leadership team visibility and understanding of operational performance.
Execute a manufacturing strategy to eliminate redundancies while establishing centers of excellence for manufacturing and assembly of a healthy mix of products and standard, custom, configured.
Establish a long-term strategy for the types of manufacturing capabilities to be retained and developed.
Act as a change agent for continuous improvement activities
Manage the team to improve performance while lowering overall cost.
Implement improvements / automation to the system-wide operations routines to improve manufacturing levels.
Foster a culture of lean manufacturing.
Manage the department budget for overhead costs, capital expenditure(s), headcount, as well as delivery performance.
Support the supply chain strategy that meets corporate performance objectives as well as customer expectations.
Optimize processes to ensure delivery of supplies and improve supply chain metrics in terms of cost and service.
Ensure an optimal level of inventory control and operational capacity planning to meet demand.
Oversee and supervise the distribution and logistics strategy to competitively fulfill demand and optimize inventory levels.
Oversee the Quality Assurance function & infrastructure to ensure that all final product observes the company's quality standards.
Ensure the effective development and implementation of inspection activities, the detection and resolution of problems, and the delivery of satisfactory outcomes.
Ensure all aspects of safety and the organization's facilities follow the various government and regulatory bodies as they apply to employee health & safety.
Support HR and Safety teams to foster safety-minded culture to prevent harm to employees.
Promote and encourage open communications, encourage reporting of potential risks or near-miss incidents, and demonstrate by action the collective responsibility for safety.
Support annual safety training programs.
Data driven leader who can communicate results and plans to the leadership team, while effectively communicating goals and objectives to the manufacturing team.
Lead a team environment that values diversity and inclusion with talent development at all levels.
Foster and maintain healthy collaborative workforce relations.
Promote a culture that emphasizes customer service for an ultimate customer experience.
Develops and recommends corporate operations policy within the Operations Department.
Defines and recommends cost reductions and efficiency objectives in each area of Operations.
Develops specific short-term and long-term plans and programs, together with supporting budget requests and financial estimates.
Manages performance against operating plans and standards
Reviews and approves operating and detail plans for the control of, budgets, labor efficiency, material procurement and cost control, works closely with other departments to optimize company resources, engineering effectiveness, customer service, and order entry efficiency, and Human Resources.