Manufacturing Operations Manager — Lean Leader

Addison Group; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Addison Group in Iowa is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee daily manufacturing operations onsite in Aplington, IA. You will lead production, shipping, scheduling, inventory, purchasing, and customer order fulfillment while driving continuous improvement and scalable processes.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership in a fast-paced environment, with accountability for safety, quality, and on-time delivery. Collaboration with executive leadership and cross-functional teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or Supply Chain.
• 5+ years of manufacturing operations, production management, or plant leadership experience.
• Experience supervising production and warehouse teams within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience improving operational processes through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment where adaptability and initiative are highly valued.
• Experience with ERP or manufacturing software systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations to ensure production schedules, quality standards, and customer delivery commitments are achieved.
• Lead production, warehouse, shipping, receiving, and operational personnel while promoting accountability, teamwork, and employee development.
• Coordinate production scheduling, labor planning, and workflow to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Partner with purchasing and inventory teams to ensure material availability and accurate inventory levels.
• Monitor production metrics, labor utilization, throughput, scrap, and operational KPIs while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Implement and improve standard operating procedures, workflows, and operational best practices.
• Collaborate with sales, customer service, and executive leadership to prioritize customer orders and resolve production challenges.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, quality standards, and operational procedures.
• Assist with hiring, coaching, performance management, and workforce planning.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and cost reduction.
• Serve as a key operational leader supporting the company's continued growth and modernization efforts.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Continuous improvement

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Addison Group in Iowa is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee daily manufacturing operations onsite in Aplington, IA. You will lead production, shipping, scheduling, inventory, purchasing, and customer order fulfillment while driving continuous improvement and scalable processes.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership in a fast-paced environment, with accountability for safety, quality, and on-time delivery. Collaboration with executive leadership and cross-functional teams is essential.