Operations Manager

Appvion, Inc.; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Appvion, Inc. in Appleton, WI seeks an Operations Manager to oversee all production operations at Building 17. You will lead a diverse team, drive safety, quality, and cost targets, and ensure production schedules are met while staying within budget.

The role requires hands-on CI leadership, cross-functional collaboration across supply chain, maintenance, quality and engineering, and a proven track record in lean manufacturing and team development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field (equivalent production management experience considered).
• At least 5 years of supervisory or leadership experience in manufacturing/production.
• Deep understanding of production processes, quality control, and lean principles (Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S).
• Proven leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop a production team.
• Hands-on experience with CI initiatives and process optimization projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for cross-department collaboration.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, production reporting, and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all production operations within the site, ensuring safety, quality, service, and cost targets are met.
• Lead and motivate a multi-disciplinary team and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate cross-departmentally (supply chain, planning, maintenance, quality, engineering) for smooth operations.
• Monitor KPIs, address gaps through coaching, and optimize resource, equipment, and material utilization.
• Ensure production schedules are met and manage budget-related manufacturing expenses.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

5S

Data analysis

Effective communication

Coaching & mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Production reporting

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all production operations within Appvion’s Building 17 facility. This role ensures that production goals are achieved safely, efficiently, and within budget while maintaining the highest quality standards. The manager leads and motivates a team, coordinates cross-departmentally to ensure smooth workflow, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to optimize operational performance.

Key Focus Areas

Core Operations Excellence (60%)

• Champion Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) compliance, fostering a proactive culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across the site.
• Own site performance and operational targets, delivering results across safety, quality, service, scrap, housekeeping, and manufacturing expenses.
• Drive operational efficiency and cost improvements through disciplined execution, resource optimization, and effective budget management.
• Manage production performance, monitoring key metrics and KPIs, addressing gaps through coaching, process adjustments, and team engagement.
• Ensure production schedules are consistently met, optimizing workforce, equipment, and material utilization to minimize downtime and maximize throughput.
• Collaborate across departments, including supply chain, planning, maintenance, quality, and engineering, to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Promote sustainability and operational responsibility, reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and supporting long-term business objectives.
• Lead and develop the site team, cultivating skills, accountability, and ownership to strengthen operational performance and succession readiness

Continuous Improvement & Operational Initiatives (20%)

• Lead and support continuous improvement (CI) initiatives across the site, identifying opportunities to optimize processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.
• Collaborate with team members to implement improvements and monitor results, ensuring sustainability and measurable impact.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence and accountability through regular coaching, feedback, and performance tracking.

Organizational Development (20%)

• Develop and establish top-performing team members who are motivated, accountable, and committed to delivering outstanding results.
• Collaborate and interface effectively with all cross-functional departments - including Commercial, Finance, HR, Planning, Purchasing, and Product Development - to maximize operational success and enhance expertise across the organization.

Key Attributes & Strengths

• Motivational and inspiring leadership style that drives team engagement and accountability
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset, focused on operational efficiency and continuous improvement
• Results-oriented, with a disciplined approach to achieving production, quality, and cost targets
• Effective communicator and collaborator, able to align cross-functional teams and drive operational success
• Proactive decision-maker with a hands-on approach to solving production challenges
• Demonstrates urgency and focus on execution while maintaining a safe and compliant work environment
• Skilled at developing, coaching, and mentoring team members to build a high-performing, accountable workforce
• Adaptable and resilient, able to manage changing priorities and maintain performance under pressure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field preferred; equivalent production management experience considered
• 5 years of supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment
• Deep understanding of production processes, quality control, and lean manufacturing principles (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S)
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate, develop, and hold a production team accountable
• Hands-on experience with continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization projects
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively across departments
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, production reporting, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining focus on safety and compliance

*LI-MD1

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.