Manufacturing Automation & Operational Excellence Leader

The Specialty Manufacturing Company; White Bear Lake (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Retirement plan

Onsite work environment

Job summary

The Specialty Manufacturing Company is seeking a Manufacturing Automation and Operational Excellence Manager to lead automation initiatives across production lines in Minnesota. You will drive Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen programs, manage capital projects, and mentor teams to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.

You will partner with leadership to define roadmaps, select technologies, and deliver measurable savings. On-site role with a strong focus on hands-on execution and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• 10+ years manufacturing experience leading automation/CI initiatives.
• 5+ years of leadership or project management experience preferred.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and new line projects from concept to handoff.
• Develop automation roadmaps aligned with goals, capacity, and budgets.
• Own project scope, schedule, budget and ROI justification.
• Lead Kaizen events and value stream mapping sessions.
• Train operators on standard work and updated production lines.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Project management

Change management

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering

Master's degree or MBA preferred

Tools

PLC automation

Robotics

Vision systems

SCADA/MES

Job description

The Specialty Manufacturing Company is seeking a Manufacturing Automation and Operational Excellence Manager to lead automation initiatives across production lines in Minnesota. You will drive Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen programs, manage capital projects, and mentor teams to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.

You will partner with leadership to define roadmaps, select technologies, and deliver measurable savings. On-site role with a strong focus on hands-on execution and continuous improvement.