APU Manager

Aalberts integrated piping systems; Pageland (SC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Aalberts IPSA seeks an experienced APU Manager to lead a machining-focused Autonomous Production Unit in a dynamic, safety-conscious environment. You will drive SQDICP metrics, oversee staffing and scheduling, and guide continuous improvement initiatives across multiple functions.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field and 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in machining.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, Business, or related field
• 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in machining or high‑volume production
• Proven experience leading supervisors and large hourly teams
• Strong knowledge of machining and assembly processes, equipment, and manufacturing operations
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and KPI management
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills in a fast‑paced environment
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and Microsoft Office tools
• Strong communication and leadership skills (English proficiency required)
• Understanding of safety regulations and industrial best practices

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Supervisors, Team Leads, and machining associates, fostering accountability and engagement
• Drive a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with PPE, LOTO, 5S, and environmental standards
• Own and improve APU performance across SQDICP (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, Cost, Motivation) metrics
• Monitor KPIs including scrap, downtime, labor efficiency, machine utilization, and throughput
• Ensure adherence to machining standards, work instructions, and process discipline across all shifts
• Lead daily Tier meetings, QRQC, and operational reviews to address top issues and drive corrective actions
• Drive root cause problem‑solving (e.g., 4 blocks, 5 Why, 8D) and implement sustainable corrective actions
• Ensure staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation meet production and customer delivery requirements
• Optimize machining and assembly processes including cycle time reduction, changeover improvements, and capacity utilization
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Planning teams to meet customer expectations
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including lean manufacturing, waste reduction, and layout optimization or Kaizen Workshops
• Conduct audits (Layered Process Audits) to sustain standards and operational discipline
• Develop team competency through training plans, OJT, and cross‑training programs
• Manage APU budget, resources, and performance targets, ensuring profitability and efficiency
• Support new product/machine launches, industrialization, and smooth production ramp‑ups
• Complete additional duties as assigned by your manager

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Data-driven mindset

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, Business, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Ready to change the future, your way? This is an excellent opportunity for a driven APU Manager to unlock your ambition and work the future at Aalberts.

As a full-time APU Manager at Aalberts, you will have direct responsibility for the operational performance, leadership, and continuous improvement of a machining-focused Autonomous Production Unit (APU). You will drive Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People engagement while ensuring alignment with company objectives and operational excellence standards.

the Aalberts way

Aalberts is built on entrepreneurship. We believe the more space people are given, the greater their chance of finding brilliant solutions for our customers. That is why we encourage everyone to take ownership, think independently yet work as one team. You are in charge today of what happens tomorrow. For yourself, for the company, and for our planet.

• Lead and develop Supervisors, Team Leads, and machining associates, fostering accountability and engagement
• Drive a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with PPE, LOTO, 5S, and environmental standards
• Own and improve APU performance across SQDICP (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, Cost, Motivation) metrics
• Monitor KPIs including scrap, downtime, labor efficiency, machine utilization, and throughput
• Ensure adherence to machining standards, work instructions, and process discipline across all shifts
• Lead daily Tier meetings, QRQC, and operational reviews to address top issues and drive corrective actions
• Drive root cause problem‑solving (e.g., 4 blocks, 5 Why, 8D) and implement sustainable corrective actions
• Ensure staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation meet production and customer delivery requirements
• Optimize machining and assembly processes including cycle time reduction, changeover improvements, and capacity utilization
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Planning teams to meet customer expectations
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including lean manufacturing, waste reduction, and layout optimization or Kaizen Workshops
• Conduct audits (Layered Process Audits) to sustain standards and operational discipline
• Develop team competency through training plans, OJT, and cross‑training programs
• Manage APU budget, resources, and performance targets, ensuring profitability and efficiency
• Support new product/machine launches, industrialization, and smooth production ramp‑ups
• Complete additional duties as assigned by your manager

requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in machining or high‑volume production
• Proven experience leading supervisors and large hourly teams
• Strong knowledge of machining and assembly processes, equipment, and manufacturing operations
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and KPI management
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills in a fast‑paced environment
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and Microsoft Office tools
• Strong communication and leadership skills (English proficiency required)
• Understanding of safety regulations and industrial best practices

targeted attributes

• Lean Certification (Green Belt or equivalent)
• Experience with CNC machining, precision manufacturing, or metal processing
• Strong leadership presence with ability to motivate and coach teams
• Data‑driven mindset with strong analytical capabilities
• Experience implementing CI projects and operational transformations

why work at Aalberts?

• Globally renowned company, dedicated to technological innovation and excellence
• Diverse teams of passionate individuals, committed to making a difference
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• Think independently yet work as one team
• Be in charge today of what happens tomorrow

about Aalberts

We are a company of over 13,000 passionate people spread across 50 countries, working as one to engineer mission‑critical technologies, making impact in everyday life. Aalberts IPSA proudly supports eco-friendly buildings to high‑tech manufacturing, minuscule microchips to the largest seagoing vessels, and next gen vehicles to lightweight airplanes. Since 1975, we have been at the forefront of where technological innovation truly matters and progress is really made for a clean, smart and responsible future.

Occasional travel to vendors, customers or Aalberts sites up to 10% of the time

compensation and benefits

The salaried rate for this role is fair and decided upon based on experience and proven skills alignment through our interview process. This role will observe our company’s 12 paid holidays, generous paid time off and competitive full suite benefits package.

go ahead, work the future at Aalberts

Our procedure involves application submission, screening, assessments, selection, and offer/onboarding. The process follows a tentative time frame and is subject to the availability of both parties and the completion of each stage.

our commitment to all

Aalberts IPSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Uninvited agency solicitation will not be considered. Profiles sent by third‑party recruiters will be treated as direct applications from the candidate.