Manufacturing Operations Manager

Quovis, Inc.; Town of East Troy (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A key player in manufacturing sectors is seeking an Operations Manager for its facility in East Troy, Wisconsin. The role involves leading operational transformation, mentoring a team, and driving continuous improvements. Ideal candidates have a strong background in Lean manufacturing and proven leadership skills. This is a full-time opportunity with a focus on safety, quality, and performance in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of progressive experience in Lean manufacturing, metals or tubing background is a plus.
• Track record of motivating teams and resolving complex issues.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and advanced process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational transformation and drive continuous improvement across production lines.
• Mentor and grow production team members to foster a culture of accountability.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and policies.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Process improvements

Team-building

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred)

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Quovis, Inc.

Located in the East Troy / Mukwonago / Lake Geneva area, our client's facility represents a strategic cornerstone of Company's operations and future growth, serving vital industries such as space exploration, aerospace, power generation, automation and other key growth sectors.

As the Operations Manager, you’ll be entrusted not just with day-to-day leadership, but with spearheading a true operational transformation – building a high-performance mindset, elevating processes, and championing cultural change.

Come prepared to lead through challenge and change: this business is poised for continued growth, investing in both people and state-of-the-art equipment. This is an opportunity to “put your stamp” on a dynamic manufacturing site, driving both immediate improvements and sustainable long-term success.

Why This Role Is Compelling

• Strategic Impact: This plant has significant strategic importance to the company with sustained investment and critical, profitable business in key growth industries.
• Growth & Investment: Recent $2M+ investment in new testing lines; ambitious plans to expand both capacity and product capabilities.
• Transformational Leadership Opportunity: Leading continuous improvements in equipment performance, throughput, on time delivery by identifying process gaps and by modeling and instilling a solutions-oriented, empowering culture.
• Career Trajectory: For high-caliber talent, this position offers significant growth opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Operational Transformation

• Lead with urgency to address current backlogs and outdated processes.
• Drive continuous improvement across eight lines (ranging from legacy equipment to new high-speed installations).
• Collaborate with three Process Engineers and cross-functional teams to implement best practices and measurable improvements.

Leadership & Team Building

• Mentor direct reports (5 Production Supervisors) and support newly hired leaders
• Lead by example: be the “Swiss army knife” resource for peers; listen, communicate, and coach
• Build, grow, and energize a team of 75+ (expected to reach 80–90 by year-end), fostering a climate of accountability and respect
• Oversee capacity planning and production scheduling to ensure on-time delivery and optimal resource utilization
• Ensure all employees are trained and consistently follow company policies, procedures, work instructions, and safe manufacturing practices
• Build a culture of trust, involvement, communication, and a passion for operational excellence
• Partner with HR to develop and grow talent across the operations team

Process & Culture Champion

• Champion problem-solving and model empowered, hands-on leadership with tools such as Gemba walks and daily management.
• Instill a culture of continuous improvement (CI); be consistent in seeking out and solving root causes, including safety and quality challenges.
• Develop and refine new operating procedures as needed, especially relating to safety and new product qualifications.
• Proactively contribute within the broader company network by sharing and adopting best practices across plants
• Facilitate problem-solving initiatives and Kaizen events to improve plant performance
• Support Maintenance and Lean initiatives to drive equipment reliability and process improvements
• Lead daily management (MDI) processes to monitor and drive plant KPIs and foster continuous improvement

Safety & Compliance

• Lead site safety efforts, ensuring compliance with PPE requirements and state/federal regulations.
• Oversee the completion of critical OSHA guarding upgrades.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Operations or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 7-10 years of progressive experience in Lean manufacturing; metals or tubing background a strong plus
• Track record of driving process improvements, motivating teams, and resolving complex issues
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and advanced process optimization
• Superior communication, team-building, and change management skills

Additional Information

• 3-shift operation (primarily 1st, lighter 2nd and 3rd shifts)
• Mix of advanced and legacy production equipment
• Hands-on environment – leadership presence on the floor is a must
• Heavy focus on safety (PPE, guarding), quality, and operational discipline
• Equal Opportunity Employer
• Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and moving mechanical parts
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, however, at times can be high
• Some work is performed inside a non-climate controlled facility
• Employees in this position are regularly required to walk, stand and use hands to finger, handle or feel; frequently required to reach with their hands and arms
• Occasionally required to sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear and regularly required to lift 10 pounds and occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds
• Safety glasses, hearing protection and other PPE are required in designated areas

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Production, Manufacturing, and Management

• Industries

  Manufacturing, Defense and Space Manufacturing, and Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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