Manufacturing Operations Leader: Safety, Efficiency & CI

Appvion, Inc.; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Appvion, Inc. in Appleton, WI seeks an Operations Manager to oversee all production operations at Building 17. You will lead a diverse team, drive safety, quality, and cost targets, and ensure production schedules are met while staying within budget.

The role requires hands-on CI leadership, cross-functional collaboration across supply chain, maintenance, quality and engineering, and a proven track record in lean manufacturing and team development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field (equivalent production management experience considered).
• At least 5 years of supervisory or leadership experience in manufacturing/production.
• Deep understanding of production processes, quality control, and lean principles (Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S).
• Proven leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop a production team.
• Hands-on experience with CI initiatives and process optimization projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for cross-department collaboration.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, production reporting, and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all production operations within the site, ensuring safety, quality, service, and cost targets are met.
• Lead and motivate a multi-disciplinary team and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate cross-departmentally (supply chain, planning, maintenance, quality, engineering) for smooth operations.
• Monitor KPIs, address gaps through coaching, and optimize resource, equipment, and material utilization.
• Ensure production schedules are met and manage budget-related manufacturing expenses.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

5S

Data analysis

Effective communication

Coaching & mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Production reporting

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Appvion, Inc. in Appleton, WI seeks an Operations Manager to oversee all production operations at Building 17. You will lead a diverse team, drive safety, quality, and cost targets, and ensure production schedules are met while staying within budget.

The role requires hands-on CI leadership, cross-functional collaboration across supply chain, maintenance, quality and engineering, and a proven track record in lean manufacturing and team development.