Plant Operations Manager - Path to Plant Manager/GM

Behm Consulting LLC; Beaver Dam (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Behm Consulting LLC is seeking an operational leader to run the plant floor and drive improvements at our client, a small manufacturing firm (~25 employees) in Wisconsin. You will own daily production operations, scheduling, throughput and on-time delivery, while coaching operators and supervisors and upholding safety and quality standards.

The role offers rapid leadership progression toward Plant Manager, Director of Operations, or GM-level leadership within 3–5 years based on performance.

Qualifications

• Decisive, hands-on leader with ability to make quick decisions.
• Manufacturing/production leadership experience preferred.
• Strong leadership potential and drive; entrepreneurial mindset.
• Mechanical aptitude and a continuous-improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production operations, scheduling, throughput and on-time delivery.
• Coach and develop operators, leads and supervisors.
• Ensure safety, quality and attendance across the floor.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives (lean, 5S) and OSHA/GMP/SQF compliance.
• Partner with ownership to influence company direction.

Skills

Leadership

Production leadership

Lean manufacturing

5S

Coaching

Continuous improvement

Job description

This is a direct hire position.

Our client is a smaller, established manufacturing company (~25 employees) looking for its next operational leader - someone who will run the plant floor now and grow into broader leadership roles (Plant Manager, Director of Operations, or GM-level) within 3-5 years, based on performance.

This is built for someone who wants more ownership and upside than a traditional corporate ladder offers - whether that's a supervisor at a larger company ready to lead without waiting a decade for the next title, or a motivated leader (with or without a degree) who wants to build really operational and business experience without needing capital to buy in.

What you\'d own:

• Daily production operations, scheduling, throughput, and on-time delivery
• Coaching and developing operators, leads, and supervisors
• Safety, quality, and attendance accountability across the floor
• Continuous improvement initiatives (lean, 5S) and OSHA/GMP/SQF compliance
• Direct visibility with ownership and a real seat in shaping company direction

What we\'re looking for:

• Decisive, hands-on leader - comfortable making calls quickly and having direct conversations
• Manufacturing/production leadership experience preferred, but we care more about leadership potential and drive than a checklist
• Mechanical aptitude and a continuous-improvement mindset
• Someone who wants to build something, not just manage a shift