Senior Manager, Operations

Wenger LLC; Sabetha (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Wenger LLC is seeking an experienced manufacturing leader responsible for guiding operations, safety, and continuous improvement across the site. You will drive Kaizen activity, lead by example, and ensure policy adherence while meeting budget, productivity, quality, and cost targets.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 10 years of progressive leadership in manufacturing, with strong Lean/Six Sigma knowledge and ERP/MRP familiarity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing Management, Engineering Technology or related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in plant/manufacturing roles.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma and other continuous improvement disciplines.
• Strong financial and business acumen; ability to analyze data and drive cost/performance improvements.
• OSHA compliance knowledge and experience with safety-first leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example and enforce Wenger operating policies.
• Drive safety and accident prevention with a safety-first bias.
• Assess present and future manufacturing needs, risks, and opportunities.
• Develop and execute business plans, budgets, and strategic initiatives.
• Lead Kaizen and Lean initiatives; support quality and cost targets.
• Develop managers and leaders; partner with Human Resources on training plans.
• Communicate across departments to align objectives and performance.

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

MS Office

Organizational skills

Confidential information handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Essential Functions

Must care about people, valuing staff as the greatest assets of Wenger. Responsible for leading by example and adhering to and/or enforcing all Wenger operating policies and practices.

Safety/Environmental – Must have a proven fluency in understanding how to develop and sustain best practices in safety. This includes a Safety-First bias with a strong focus on accident prevention.

Risk Mitigation – Assesses present and future needs, trends, problems, and conditions within Manufacturing that could harm employees, threaten the supply chain, reduce productivity, and/or impact quality and profitability. Leads the development and execution of business plans, operating policies, budgets, and strategic initiatives that support the Company's overall objectives.

Establishes and monitors short- and long-term operational and financial goals aligned with Business Plan Objectives (BPOs), ensuring success is measured through meaningful KPIs and achievement of budget, productivity, quality, and cost performance targets.

Drives productivity improvements through regular Kaizen activities and other Lean practices that are evaluated, established, and sustained over time. Supports Quality Assurance and Zero Defects initiatives through KPI-driven objectives.

Implements corrective action methodologies such as 5 Why Analysis, Fishbone Diagrams, A3 Problem Solving, and similar continuous improvement tools.

Ensures approved policies and objectives are clearly understood and effectively applied.

Reviews and appraises manufacturing activities and performance results. Recommends and supports corrective actions as necessary. Reviews and evaluates contracts, appropriations, and expenditure requests.

Develops and trains managers and leaders within the Company and reviews performance. Works in conjunction with Human Resources to develop training plans that enhance employee performance. Recommends compensation changes for key personnel in accordance with Company policy and assists in ensuring organizational structures are appropriately staffed.

May support acquisition, merger, facility expansion, or greenfield projects, including evaluation and utilization of physical assets and facilities. Ensures policies, procedures, training, and implementation practices are standardized across locations.

Communicates regularly with individuals and departments throughout the organization. Performs other duties as assigned based on business needs.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

Manufacturing environment: will be exposed to loud noises and machinery with moving parts. Domestic and international travel required.

Skills and Abilities

Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multi-discipline team environment. Ability to execute agreed tasks and deadlines against performance criteria (KPIs) Result-oriented with the ability to follow through and respect deadlines. Proficient skills using Microsoft Suite and other programs as needed. Proactive and organized. Ability to manage confidential information.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing Management, Engineering Technology or a related discipline. Minimum of 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including plant management, operations management, continuous improvement, or related manufacturing leadership roles. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement disciplines. Strong financial and business acumen. Problem-solving and root cause analysis proficiency. OSHA compliance knowledge. Demonstrated success in improving safety, quality, productivity, delivery performance and cost management. ERP and/or MRP system knowledge.

Welcome to our temporary careers site

While we finalize our new website, you can explore open roles and start your career journey with JBT Marel here. At JBT Marel, we’re transforming the future of food through technology, innovation, and collaboration. Our work helps make the global food system more sustainable — and it’s powered by thousands of talented people around the world. We value collaboration, integrity, innovation, and continuous growth — and we believe the best ideas come from diverse perspectives working together. If you’re looking for meaningful work and the chance to make a real impact, explore opportunities at JBT Marel and get ready to transform the future of food.