Manufacturing Manager

Wayne Wire Cloth Products, Inc.; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Profit sharing

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Paid holidays and vacation

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Wayne Wire Cloth Products, Inc. in Kalkaska, MI is seeking a Manufacturing Site Leader to drive daily plant operations and strategic initiatives.

The role requires overseeing quality and compliance under AS9100D, ISO 9001, and NADCAP, while managing the site budget and presenting performance metrics to executive leadership. The ideal candidate has 10+ years of senior manufacturing management experience, hands-on ERP/MRP and cost accounting expertise, and a strong track record in Lean

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business Administration preferred.
• 10+ years of senior manufacturing management with bottom-line accountability.
• Experience leading in AS9100D, ISO 9001, or NADCAP environments.
• Hands-on ERP/MRP software experience and cost-accounting principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily plant operations and drive throughput improvements.
• Ensure quality and compliance with AS9100D, ISO 9001, NADCAP standards.
• Manage site budget, set strategic goals, and report financial performance monthly.
• Drive Lean manufacturing initiatives and cost-reduction across metal forming, welding, and assembly lines.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop shop-floor staff in a high-accountability culture.
• Collaborate with key clients on technical and operational discussions for project delivery.

Skills

ERP/MRP software

Lean Manufacturing

Cost accounting

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business Administration

Job description

Kalkaska, MI • Full-time • Posted February 15, 2026

We are looking for a Manufacturing Site Leader for our office in Kalkaska.

For over 80 years,Wayne Wire Cloth Products, Inc.has been a global leader in custom precision filtration component manufacturing. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, we produce specialized wire mesh, perforated metal, and expanded metal solutions.

We serve critical, high-precision industries includingAerospace, Defense, Automotive, Medical, Energy, and others. Located near beautifulTraverse City, Michigan, our team enjoys a high quality of life alongside an innovative manufacturing environment.

Why Join Us?

• Executive Impact:High-visibility leadership role reporting directly to corporate executive management.
• Growth & Stability:Operational leadership of an established, growing facility with world‑class quality standards.
• Values-Driven Culture:We believe in dealing with reality, honoring commitments, communicating with candor, and taking personal responsibility for results.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Operational & Site Leadership:Drive daily plant operations, optimize throughput, improve operator efficiency, and ensure projects are completed on schedule.
• Quality & Compliance:Oversee operations withinAS9100D, ISO 9001, and NADCAPstandards to deliver zero-defect components for demanding aerospace and automotive applications.
• Financial & Strategic Management:Manage the site budget, direct strategic goals, and present financial performance metrics in monthly executive reviews.
• Continuous Improvement:Implement Lean Manufacturing and cost-reduction initiatives across metal forming, pressing, welding, and assembly lines.
• Team Development:Recruit, mentor, and evaluate shop-floor staff, maintaining a collaborative and high-accountability workplace culture.
• Customer Collaboration:Lead technical and operational discussions with key clients to ensure 100% customer satisfaction and project delivery.

Qualifications & Skills

Required Qualifications:

• Education:Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) required; Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business Administration preferred.
• Experience:10+ years of senior manufacturing management experience with full bottom-line operational accountability.
• Quality Management:Proven experience leading withinAS5100D, ISO 9001, or NADCAPcertified environments.
• Systems Expertise:Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP software and cost-accounting principles.

Preferred Technical Skills:

• Practical knowledge of wire mesh fabrication, sheet metal forming, kick/power pressing, TIG/MIG/resistance welding, and brazing processes (vacuum furnace, silver, gold/nickel).
• Strong track record of drivingLean Manufacturingand continuous improvement programs.
• A "lead from the front" mentality, willing to jump in hands-on and work flexible hours when needed to ensure operational success.

Benefits Package

We value our team members and offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Health & Wellness:Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (includes prescription drug coverage)
• Financial Security:401(k) plan with company match + Discretionary Profit-Sharing Plan
• Income Protection:Salary Continuation and Long-Term Disability
• Pre-Tax Savings:Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Time Off:Paid Holidays and Vacation Time
• Professional Growth:Tuition Reimbursement

Work Location:

• On-site in the Traverse City, MI region.

Wayne Wire Cloth Products, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status.