Manufacturing Operations Manager I

Oatey Company; Shakopee (MN); On-site; USD 91,603 - 146,565; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Profit sharing

401(k) with company match

Market-leading health insurance

HDHP health plan

Disability insurance

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Well-being resources

Job summary

Oatey Company in Shakopee, Minnesota seeks an experienced manufacturing leader to manage frontline leaders, meet customer requirements, and achieve cost targets. The role focuses on production capacity strategy, continuous improvement, engagement, and associate development.

The position requires leadership across cross-functional teams, strong Lean Six Sigma expertise, and a commitment to safety and quality, with a compensation range reflecting experience.

Qualifications

• HighSchool diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred in engineering or operations management or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing leadership role.
• Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
• Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement knowledge and practice.
• Advanced PC skills and proficiency with MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Ensure manufacturing and distribution functions are performed in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
• Lead site safety program and ensure metrics related to safety observations and corrective actions are met.
• Train production staff in safety procedures and policies (6S).
• Coordinate staffing and equipment plans to meet production needs and control overtime costs.
• Lead cross-functional supervisors, team leads, and production staff.
• Manage changes for new equipment, processes, and improvements.
• Implement safe processes to meet quality and delivery targets.
• Foster positive work environment, morale, and consistent expectations.
• Develop training programs for new hires and associate development.
• Champion Lean Six Sigma philosophies.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

People leadership

Decision making

Team building

Communication skills

Financial acumen

Strategic planning

Multitasking

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, or related technical field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Manufacturing execution systems (MES)

Job description

2300 Vierling Drive West, Shakopee, Minnesota 55379 United States of America

Position Summary

Manage a team of frontline leaders in Oatey manufacturing to meet customer requirements, achieve cost targets, focus on product quality, and ensure associate safety. Plan and execute manufacturing strategy related to production capacity, creating a culture of continuous improvement, engagement, and growth.

Position Responsibilities

• Ensure that manufacturing and distribution functions are performed in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner consistent with established corporate and site requirements.
• Actively lead and promote site safety program; ensure production associates meet metrics related to behavior safety observations, near misses, and corrective actions.
• Ensure production staff are properly trained in safety procedures, including 6S, and follow all safety policies as directed by the site EHSS Manager.
• Coordinate with site leadership to develop and execute staffing and equipment plans that meet production needs, focusing on load adherence, attainment, efficiency, and overtime cost.
• Lead, direct, and maintain a team of cross‑functional supervisors, team leads, mixers, and production associates.
• Manage the change process for new equipment, processes, and improvements.
• Implement and sustain safe processes to reduce cost and meet customer expectations regarding quality and delivery.
• Adopt a positive work environment by focusing on morale, associate relations, and consistent expectations and disciplinary processes.
• Develop and manage intentional training programs for new hire integration and associate development.
• Champion and model the Lean Six Sigma philosophies.

Knowledge And Experience

• 5 to 7 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in a manufacturing leadership role.
• In‑depth interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population and resolve conflicts with trust and integrity.
• Demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing best practices, lean techniques, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement processes.
• Advanced PC computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Effective individual leadership skills, including decision‑making, team building, and organizational skills.
• Business and financial acumen.
• Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a deadline‑driven, fast‑paced environment.

Education and Certification

• High School Diploma required.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience (preferred).

Compensation Range for the Position

$91,603.00 – $119,084.00 – $146,565.00 USD (offer determined by experience and internal talent review).

Oatey Total Rewards

• Generous paid time off programs and paid company holidays to support flexibility and work‑life balance.
• Annual discretionary cash profit sharing.
• Immediate eligibility and vesting in 401(k) with 100% company match up to 5% of eligible compensation.
• Market‑leading health insurance, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for associates and qualified dependents.
• Significant company contribution to Health Savings Account with a high deductible health plan (HDHP).
• Short‑term and long‑term disability income protection at no cost to associates.
• Paid maternity and paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Resources for associate well‑being, including resource groups, EAP, and dedicated mental‑health support.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Oatey family of companies is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recruit, employ, promote, and offer competitive pay for all jobs without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.