Machining Operations Leader | CNC, NPI & Lean

Chandler Industries; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays & PTO

Job summary

Chandler Industries seeks an Operations Manager – Machining to lead day-to-day CNC machining operations, develop supervisors and machinists, and drive Lean improvements. You will oversee projects from NPI to process optimization, aligning Engineering, Quality, Materials, and Maintenance to deliver quality on time.

Ideal candidates bring 7–10 years in machining with leadership experience, strong CNC knowledge, and ISO/AS9100 familiarity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7–10 years of experience in machining operations, with 3–5 years in a leadership role
• Strong technical knowledge of CNC machining
• Familiarity with ISO or AS9100 standards
• Lean manufacturing methodologies; Six Sigma certification a plus
• Proven project management experience, including cross-functional projects
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing software
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to lead and motivate people; change agent
• ITAR knowledge and compliance awareness

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop people: coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and machinists, set expectations and provide feedback
• Build a high-performing team: recruit, onboard, develop, retain talent with accountability culture
• Lead key manufacturing projects: oversee NPI, machine upgrades, new tech, capacity improvements
• Coordinate cross-functional execution: align Operations, Engineering, Quality, Materials, Maintenance, suppliers, and customers
• Provide machining leadership and technical direction: apply CNC knowledge, troubleshoot issues, drive improvements
• Advance machining capabilities: evaluate and implement new equipment, tooling, processes
• Drive operational performance: meet schedules and delivery while ensuring safety and quality
• Champion continuous improvement: lead Lean, 5S, standard work, Kaizen, waste reduction
• Support successful NPI: collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Materials for production transfer
• Manage the business: optimize labor, capacity, resources, and budgets

Skills

Leadership

Machining credibility

Process optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Manufacturing software

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Chandler Industries seeks an Operations Manager – Machining to lead day-to-day CNC machining operations, develop supervisors and machinists, and drive Lean improvements. You will oversee projects from NPI to process optimization, aligning Engineering, Quality, Materials, and Maintenance to deliver quality on time.

Ideal candidates bring 7–10 years in machining with leadership experience, strong CNC knowledge, and ISO/AS9100 familiarity.