Lean Packaging Operations Leader

Chase & Associates; Neenah (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Chase & Associates, a leading custom packaging solutions provider in Neenah, WI, seeks an Operations Department Manager to lead production across Label and Flexible Packaging departments. The role centers on driving operational excellence amid automation and digitalization initiatives within state-of-the-art facilities.

You will oversee multi-shift teams, optimize processes using Lean tools, and manage financial performance, quality, and safety.

Qualifications

• Must have 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership with direct responsibility for production teams.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing methodologies; Lean or Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire, mentor, and drive accountability across teams.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret production data and financial metrics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate across functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire multi-shift production teams, setting clear goals aligned with company objectives.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, VSM, SMED, TPM) to optimize efficiency and OEE.
• Own the P&L for both departments, manage labor efficiency, material yield, and indirect spend.
• Establish and enforce quality standards, GMPs, and customer specifications.
• Lead safety initiatives, conduct safety walks, and drive hazard elimination.
• Recruit, hire, and train plant personnel with ongoing coaching and development plans.
• Collaborate with Scheduling, Maintenance, Quality, Sales, and Engineering to align capacity with demand.
• Drive root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions (8D, PDCA, A3) to eliminate defects.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Team leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (preferred) in Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Job description

Chase & Associates, a leading custom packaging solutions provider in Neenah, WI, seeks an Operations Department Manager to lead production across Label and Flexible Packaging departments. The role centers on driving operational excellence amid automation and digitalization initiatives within state-of-the-art facilities.

You will oversee multi-shift teams, optimize processes using Lean tools, and manage financial performance, quality, and safety.