Shop Operations Lead — Scheduling, 5S, & Efficiency

Brightpath Associates LLC; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Brightpath Associates LLC in Duluth, MN seeks a hands-on Operations Manager to oversee shop and daily business operations. You will create an organized, efficiently scheduled shop where jobs are ready before entering a bay, with parts, materials, information, and people available to support timely work.

The role leads scheduling, staffing, inventory, and process improvements using 5S principles, drives cost control and quality, and maintains safety and productive vendor relationships while

Qualifications

• Experience leading operations in manufacturing, fabrication, truck upfitting, heavy equipment, or trailer service.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, PTOs, and hydraulic pumps.
• Strong scheduling, workflow-management, and organizational skills.
• Experience leading employees and maintaining accountability.
• Familiarity with inventory, purchasing, job costing, ERP systems, and operating metrics.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to quality, safety, customer service, and responsible spending.

Responsibilities

• Manage shop scheduling, workflow, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Ensure parts and materials are available before work begins.
• Keep bays organized, scheduled, and productive.
• Apply practical 5S organization principles.
• Provide employees with clear direction and accountability.
• Improve inventory, purchasing, labor tracking, and job costing.
• Develop and train standard operating procedures.
• Monitor productivity, efficiency, and job profitability.
• Support customer and vendor relationships.
• Maintain a safe working environment.
• Work with ownership on priorities, budgets, and capital spending.

Skills

Operations leadership

Scheduling & workflow

Inventory management

Team leadership

Vendor relations

Safety & quality

Problem solving

Budgeting

Cost control

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Brightpath Associates LLC in Duluth, MN seeks a hands-on Operations Manager to oversee shop and daily business operations. You will create an organized, efficiently scheduled shop where jobs are ready before entering a bay, with parts, materials, information, and people available to support timely work.

The role leads scheduling, staffing, inventory, and process improvements using 5S principles, drives cost control and quality, and maintains safety and productive vendor relationships while