Manufacturing Operations Manager I

Oatey Company; Shakopee (MN); On-site; USD 92,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Profit sharing

401(k) with company match

Health insurance

Health Savings Account contributions

Disability insurance

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Oatey Company in Minnesota seeks a seasoned Manufacturing Leader to guide frontline supervisors and production teams toward safety, quality, and on-time delivery. You will drive staffing, training, and lean initiatives across the site, balancing cost targets with continuous improvement.

The role requires 5–7 years in manufacturing and 3–5 years in leadership, with strong communication, financial acumen, and problem-solving skills to support a high-performing manufacturing culture.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in a manufacturing environment.
• 3–5 years in a leadership role in manufacturing.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of lean techniques, six sigma and continuous improvement.
• Advanced PC skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong written and verbal communication and organization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee manufacturing and distribution to meet cost and quality targets.
• Lead site safety program and ensure metrics are met.
• Train staff in safety procedures (6S) and site policies.
• Coordinate staffing and equipment to meet production needs.
• Direct cross-functional supervisors and production teams.
• Manage change processes for new equipment and processes.
• Promote Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Team building

Communication

Conflict resolution

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, or technical curriculum or equivalent work experience

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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

Why Oatey?

Since 1916, Oatey has provided reliable, high-quality products for the residential and commercial plumbing industries, with a commitment to delivering quality, building trust and improving lives. Today, Oatey operates a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network comprised of industry leading family of companies: Oatey, Cherne, Keeney, Quick Drain, Hercules, Dearborn, Oatey Canada, William H. Harvey, Masters, Contact, Belanger, Lansas, and Durgo.

At Oatey, we’re doing big things — and by joining us, you’ll have the chance to do big things too. You can build a strong career in an innovative, inclusive, high-performance environment, with the confidence that your company cares — about you, our customers and our world. Ready to make an impact in a place where you matter?

Position Summary

Manage a team of frontline leaders in Oatey manufacturing to meet customer requirements, achieve cost targets, a focus on product quality and attention to associate safety. Plan and execute manufacturing strategy as it relates 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 are meeting metrics related to Behavior Safety Observations, Near Misses, and Corrective Actions.
• Ensure production staff are properly trained in safety procedures, to include 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 to meet production needs. Metrics include level load adherence, attainment, efficiency, and overtime cost.
• Lead, direct and maintain a team of cross functional supervisors, team leads, mixers and production associates.
• Lead management of change process for new equipment, processes, and improvements.
• Implement and sustain safe processes to reduce cost and meet customer expectations in terms of quality and delivery.
• Assure a positive work environment by focusing on morale, associate relations, and consistent expectations and disciplinary processes.
• Develop and manage intentional training programs to ensure new hire integration and associate development.
• Champion and model the Lean Six Sigma philosophies.

Knowledge And Experience

• Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Three (3) to Five (5) years of experience in a leadership role in manufacturing.
• In-depth interpersonal skills: demonstrated ability to effectively work with a diverse population and facilitate conflict resolution with demonstrated 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.
• Demonstrated individual leadership skills including decisions making process, team building effectiveness, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated business and financial acumen.
• Effective written / oral communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and generate results in a deadline-driven, fast-paced environment via effective planning and organizational skills.

Education and Certification

• High School Diploma required.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, or technical curriculum or equivalent work experience, preferred.

Compensation Range for the Position

$91,603.00 – $119,084.00 – $146,565.00 USD

Offer amount determined by experience and review of internal talent.

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), including 100% company match, up to 5% of eligible compensation
• Market leading health insurance including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance offerings 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 coverage at no cost to associates
• Paid Maternity and Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• A strong set of complementary resources to support associate well-being, including resource groups, EAP, and dedicated mental health support.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Oatey family of companies are 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.