Lean Manufacturing Operations Leader

Manthei wood products; Petoskey (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Manthei Wood Products in Petoskey, Michigan is seeking a Department Operations Manager to lead the Rotary Department’s day-to-day operations on the production floor, driving Lean principles, continuous improvement, and safety. This hands-on leadership role focuses on building teams, solving problems with data, and delivering reliable performance on plywood/wood products lines.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing operations, Lean principles, and team leadership,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading production teams and driving operational performance.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Track record of solving complex problems using data, root‑cause analysis, and disciplined problem-solving.
• Experience with manufacturing KPIs, production planning, scheduling, quality, and cost control.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, motivate, and hold people accountable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of workplace safety and environmental requirements.
• Experience in plywood, veneer, wood products, or a similar manufacturing environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a cross-functional team of production supervisors and operators.
• Provide clear direction, coaching, and accountability to achieve department goals.
• Build a culture centered on safety, teamwork, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop employees and help future leaders grow.
• Lead the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles throughout the department.
• Identify and eliminate waste, bottlenecks, downtime, and inefficiencies.
• Lead continuous improvement activities such as 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, and root-cause problem solving.
• Use data and production metrics to identify opportunities and measure results.
• Turn problems into solutions—and improvements into standard work.
• Develop production plans and schedules that meet customer demand while making the best use of people, equipment, and materials.
• Monitor KPIs and production performance to ensure department goals are achieved.
• Develop strategies to reduce downtime, increase throughput, and improve productivity.
• Partner with other departments to keep production moving and customers supplied.
• Partner with Quality to maintain high standards throughout the manufacturing process.
• Identify trends and implement processes that prevent defects and non-conformances.
• Lead root-cause investigations and corrective actions when quality issues occur.
• Work directly with Sales and other teams to address customer quality concerns and develop solutions.
• Partner with Supply Chain and other departments to ensure raw materials and components are available when needed.
• Help optimize inventory levels while preventing production interruptions.
• Establish processes that support on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Lead by example in creating a safe, clean, and organized production environment.
• Ensure department practices comply with applicable health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Identify workplace hazards and implement corrective measures.
• Reinforce safe work practices and employee accountability every day.
• Manage department resources with a focus on productivity and cost control.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and lower operating costs.
• Use data to understand performance and make sound operational decisions.
• Help connect day-to-day operational improvements to overall business profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Data analysis

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or related field

Job description

Manthei Wood Products in Petoskey, Michigan is seeking a Department Operations Manager to lead the Rotary Department’s day-to-day operations on the production floor, driving Lean principles, continuous improvement, and safety. This hands-on leadership role focuses on building teams, solving problems with data, and delivering reliable performance on plywood/wood products lines.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing operations, Lean principles, and team leadership,