Plant Operations Manager, Waukesha WI

ES Utilities South Dakota-USA; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Employee stock purchase plan

Paid vacation

Wellness programs

Job summary

Terex Corporation seeks an experienced Plant Lean Manager to drive the Lean initiative and lead the Plant’s transformation. You will coach teams, guide Kaizen events, and improve material flow while coordinating with operations leadership to sustain gains and maintain safety and productivity.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on waste elimination and standard work across manufacturing disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level engineering/related field required; 5+ years in manufacturing leadership.
• Experienced in Lean manufacturing, quality programs, safety, and Six Sigma or SPC.
• Strong knowledge of machining, welding, and paint; familiarity with assembly processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; capable problem solving and financial awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean manufacturing initiatives to eliminate waste and reduce inventory.
• Improve material flow and coach teams during Kaizen events.
• Ensure 5S visual management and cross-department problem resolution.
• Collaborate with division/plant management on Lean projects; report progress to Director of Operations.
• Empower employees and make Lean the standard way of working.
• Oversee safety processes, labor levels, discipline when needed, and budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Quality programs

Safety

Six Sigma/SPC

Machining

Welding

Paint processes

Assembly processes

PC skills

Communication

Problem solving

Financial metrics

Change agent

Team empowerment

Kaizen

Education

BS/BA Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Position Description:

Provide leadership to successfully fast track the implementation of Lean Manufacturing. Direct, lead and coordinate manufacturing activities in compliance with required output and Quality standards. Participate in the overall strategic planning, design and direction of manufacturing processes and specifications. Oversee the training of employees, setting departmental production and performance goals, safety and organization of work, along with maintenance of a productive and motivational climate.

What you’ll bring:

• Education and/or Experience: BS/BA Engineering, Operational Management or in equivalent field and a minimum of 5 years in the Manufacturing field and in a leadership role.
• Training: Must be knowledge with or trained in the following areas, Lean manufacturing, Quality programs, Leadership techniques, Health and safety, six sigma and/or SPC.
• Skills: Must have strong working knowledge of Machining, Welding and Paint processes with some knowledge of assembly processes. Also, must have strong computer P/C skills with excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills, demonstrated intellectual curiosity, and a passion for Lean are essential.
• Good understanding of financial measurements and goals in the Lean/Flow throughput world and excellent communication skills to lead and support empowered employees in a team environment.
• Ideal person will be aggressive and have a "take charge/change agent" mentality.

What you’ll do:

• Direct and lead Lean Manufacturing techniques and processes to eliminate waste and reduce inventory, specifically;
• Improvement of Material Flow;
• Serve as coach / facilitator for teams during Kaizen events;
• Conduct event follow-up to help supervisors and managers sustain work improvement;
• Assist in implementation of 5S visual management system;
• Works with other departmental managers, to resolve difficult or continuing problems.
• Works closely with Division and Plant level management on Lean process projects using Kaizen events as the principal tool.
• Makes implementation and results a top priority and regularly updates the Director of Operations on progress.
• Empowers every employee in the Plant through positive reinforcement of Lean.
• Make Lean the way we do things at Telelect.
• The position has primary accountability to lead the Plant’s Lean initiative.
• Oversee the maintenance of appropriate levels of labor, the general conformance with employee rules, the issuing of warnings, and the administration of disciplinary measures when necessary.
• Participate in internal programs, such as communications, vacation schedules, job evaluation, employee performance reviews, and wage administrations, etc. as needed.
• Participate in the daily production operations through personal interacting with production associates, floor response to immediate problems, and regular counsel and guidance to department supervisors.
• Responsible for the planning and implementation of the safety processes and program along with maintain and control budgets for all departments.

Salary:

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc.

Why Join Us

We are a global company, and our culture is defined by our Values - Integrity, Respect, Improvement, Servant Leadership, Courage, and Citizenship. Check out this video! The Terex purpose. Safety is an absolute way of life. We expect all team members to prioritize safety and commit to Zero Harm. Our top priority is creating an inclusive environment where every team member feels safe, supported, and valued. We make a positive impact by providing innovative solutions, engaging our people, and operating in a sustainable way. We are committed to helping team members reach their full potential.

Through innovation and collaboration, our vision remains forward-looking, and we aim to be a catalyst for change, inspiring others to build a better world for generations.

• We offer competitive salaries, health insurance (medical, dental, vision, Rx), life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), short-term and long-term disability, extended leave options, paid time off, company holidays, 401k matching, employee stock purchase plan, legal assistance, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement and discount programs.

About Terex

Terex Corporation is a global leader in specialized equipment solutions, serving essential sectors such as emergency services, waste and recycling, utilities, and construction. Our diversified portfolio positions us in resilient, high-demand markets with strong long-term growth potential.

We design and manufacture advanced specialty vehicles—including fire, ambulance, and recreational vehicles—alongside waste collection vehicles, materials processing machinery, mobile elevating work platforms, and equipment for the electric utility industry. Through our global dealer, parts and service network and true value-creating digital solutions, we deliver best-in-class lifecycle support, helping customers maximize return on investment.

With a strong manufacturing footprint in the United States and operations across Europe, India, and Asia Pacific, Terex combines global reach with local expertise to capture opportunities worldwide. Our strategy is clear: exceed customer expectations, invest in innovation, leverage our diversified portfolio, and deliver consistent, profitable growth for our shareholders.

For more information, please visit www.terex.com.

Additional Information

We are passionate about producing equipment that helps improve the lives of people around the world and providing our team members with a rewarding career and the opportunity to make an impact. We are committed to recruiting, engaging, developing, and retaining team members at all levels of our global workforce. Our culture is defined by our Terex Way Values - Integrity, Respect, Improvement, Servant Leadership, Courage, and Citizenship. Our values are the driving force behind our commitment to maintain an inclusive, supportive, non-discriminatory, and safe workplace for all team members. To that end, we are committed to actively foster a culture where every team member feels valued, listened to, and appreciated. We are committed to being fair and impartial in our decisions.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability, including disabled veterans, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting the recruiting department (person or department) at [e-mail].

The Company offers competitive salaries, advancement opportunities, and a full range of benefits, including paid vacation, 401(k), medical, dental, and vision.

If you are interested in an open position but feel you may not meet all the listed qualifications, we still encourage you to apply.