Operations Manager

Lund Boats; Minnesota; On-site; USD 118,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Paid vacation

401k (up to 4% match)

Health Savings Account (company)

Well-being program

Product discounts

Job summary

Brunswick Boat Group seeks a seasoned operations leader in Minnesota to guide front-line supervisors and production staff toward safety, quality and productivity goals. You will drive Lean initiatives, mentor belt-certified teams, and partner with leadership to execute annual plans and budgets.

The role emphasizes developing people, reducing waste, and implementing new products and technologies on the shop floor while maintaining strong cross-functional partnerships across Engineering, Finance,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field.
• 10+ years of operational experience across Manufacturing, Quality, and/or Engineering with cross-functional leadership.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred; Green Belt with demonstrated experience required at minimum.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of Lean tools, techniques, and operational management principles.
• Excellent communication skills across all levels of an organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop front-line supervisors, team leads, and production employees.
• Partner with the Operations Director to deliver annual operating plan goals and budget commitments.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean tools and methodologies, including Andon, Value Stream Mapping, flow improvement, and line balancing.
• Coach and mentor Green and Yellow Belts as they lead projects that deliver measurable business impact.
• Identify operational challenges, engage employees and cross-functional partners, and develop solutions that improve performance.
• Champion safety, quality, productivity, and employee engagement through strong visual management and consistent leadership.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, scrap, damage, and rework while improving production flow and eliminating bottlenecks.
• Support leaders with tools, training, and resources for project and performance reviews.
• Lead successful introduction of new products and technologies into the production environment.
• Keep employees connected and informed through clear communication around department, facility, and company updates.
• Build strong partnerships across Engineering, Finance, HR, Supply Chain, and other functions to achieve shared business goals.
• Foster positive employee relations by building trust and applying policies fairly and consistently.
• Lead by example and create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Lean leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business

Tools

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Join the Lund Boats team and play a key leadership role in driving performance, developing people, and shaping the future of our manufacturing operation.

In this role, you’ll lead and develop front-line supervisors, team leads, support staff, and production employees while helping the operation deliver on safety, quality, productivity, cost, and continuous improvement goals. You’ll bring Lean thinking to the production floor, identify opportunities to improve flow and efficiency, and turn challenges into practical solutions.

Just as importantly, you’ll be a visible and engaged leader who listens to employees, builds strong relationships across the organization, and creates an environment where teams can do their best work.

At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.

Essential Functions

• Lead and develop high-performing teams, providing direction, coaching, and mentorship to supervisors, team leaders, and production employees.
• Partner with the Operations Director to deliver annual operating plan goals and budget commitments.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean tools and methodologies, including Andon, Value Stream Mapping, flow improvement, and line balancing.
• Coach and mentor Green and Yellow Belts as they lead projects that deliver measurable business impact.
• Identify operational challenges, engage employees and cross-functional partners, and develop solutions that improve performance.
• Champion safety, quality, productivity, and employee engagement through strong visual management and consistent leadership.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, scrap, damage, and rework while improving production flow and eliminating bottlenecks.
• Support leaders with the tools, training, and resources needed to conduct effective project and performance reviews.
• Lead the successful introduction of new products and technologies into the production environment.
• Keep employees connected and informed through clear communication around department, facility, and company updates.
• Build strong partnerships across Engineering, Finance, HR, Supply Chain, and other functions to achieve shared business goals.
• Foster positive employee relations by building trust, maintaining open communication, and applying policies fairly and consistently.
• Lead by example, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and respect.
• Champion safety initiatives and ensure operations align with company and governmental standards to help reduce accidents and injuries.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skills and experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of operational experience across Manufacturing, Quality, and/or Engineering, including experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification from a recognized source preferred; Lean Six Sigma Green Belt with demonstrated experience required at minimum.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of Lean tools, techniques, and operational management principles.
• Proven ability to drive results through leadership and influence.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications.
• Excellent verbal, written, listening, and communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Ability to work successfully in a matrixed environment and build strong relationships across Engineering, Finance, HR, Supply Chain, and other functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong organizational and follow-through skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly to changing business needs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project; simulation software experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated commitment to Brunswick’s Employee Values through respectful, inclusive, and ethical behavior.

The hiring range for this position is $118,400-$174,000 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary based on multiple factors including job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context.

In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual Brunswick Bonus. This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including:

• medical
• dental
• vision
• paid vacation
• 401k (up to 4% match)
• Health Savings Account (with company contribution)
• well-being program
• product purchase discounts
• and much more

Details about our benefits can be found here.

Why Brunswick:

Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge. As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards!

About Brunswick Boat Group:

Brunswick Boat Group is home to a diverse portfolio of iconic marine brands, including Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Crestliner, Harris, Heyday, Lowe, Lund, Navan, Princecraft, Protector, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Spartan, Thunder Jet, and Uttern. Each brand carries a legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and performance that has shaped the boating industry worldwide.

Across our fiberglass and aluminum manufacturing facilities, our team members are the driving force behind our success. We foster a culture rooted in safety, integrity, continuous improvement, and personal growth. Whether you're building unsinkable legends, pioneering wake sports, or crafting fishing and pontoon boats trusted for generations, you'll be part of a united team committed to delivering exceptional experiences on the water.