Operations Manager

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

An established manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead a large-scale production operation in the Detroit Lakes/Perham area. This is a highly visible leadership opportunity overseeing approximately 200 employees through frontline supervisors and team leaders. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in manufacturing operations, Lean/Continuous Improvement, and people leadership, with the ability to improve operational performance while developing the next generation of frontline leaders. This position offers a strong long-term career path as they promote within.

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
• Partner with cross-functional teams on production planning, forecasting, new product introductions, and operational execution
• Identify and prioritize resources needed to achieve annual operating plans and budgets
• Drive improvements in scrap, rework, labor efficiency, productivity, and overall manufacturing costs
• Foster a positive employee environment by listening to employees, addressing concerns, and supporting career development
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Support the transition of new products, processes, and technologies into manufacturing
• Participate in project reviews, performance meetings, and operational planning activities
• Work closely with site leadership to achieve overall plant objectives

Desired Skills And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing/operations experience
• Demonstrated progression in leadership responsibility, ideally from supervisor through manager-level roles
• Experience leading large-scale manufacturing operations through frontline supervisors and team leaders
• Lean Six Sigma experience; Green Belt required, Black Belt preferred
• Proven track record of leading continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience with operational planning, forecasting, production execution, and performance management
• Strong understanding of manufacturing safety, quality, productivity, cost, and delivery metrics
• Ability to work effectively in a structured, matrixed organization
• Strong communication, problem-solving, coaching, and employee-development skills
• Ability to build relationships with frontline employees while maintaining accountability for performance