Operations Leader: Lean Manufacturing for 200+ Team

SkyWater Search Partners; Perham (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SkyWater Search Partners represents an established manufacturing organization seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead a large-scale production operation in the Detroit Lakes/Perham area. This role oversees approximately 200 employees through frontline supervisors and team leaders, with a focus on Lean/Continuous Improvement and people leadership.

The ideal candidate will drive operational performance while developing the next generation of frontline leaders, offering a strong long-term

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing/operations experience.
• Lean Six Sigma: Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred.
• Proven leadership across large-scale manufacturing with frontline supervision and team leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations for a manufacturing area of approximately 200 employees.
• Provide leadership and direction to frontline supervisors, team leaders, support staff, and production employees.
• Establish expectations and drive accountability for safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance.
• Develop, coach, and mentor supervisors and team leaders.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on eliminating waste, improving flow, increasing productivity, and reducing costs.
• Utilize Lean tools including value stream mapping, line balancing, flow improvement, visual management, and structured problem-solving.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and develop solutions to improve throughput and manufacturing performance.
• Monitor key performance indicators and communicate results, opportunities, and action plans.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Leadership

People Development

Communication

Problem Solving

Process Improvement

Cross-functional Collaboration

Safety & Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations/Engineering/Manufacturing/Business

Job description

SkyWater Search Partners represents an established manufacturing organization seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead a large-scale production operation in the Detroit Lakes/Perham area. This role oversees approximately 200 employees through frontline supervisors and team leaders, with a focus on Lean/Continuous Improvement and people leadership.

The ideal candidate will drive operational performance while developing the next generation of frontline leaders, offering a strong long-term