Sr. Operations Analyst

Windings, Inc.; New Ulm (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership program

Performance-based bonus program

Job summary

Windings, Inc. in Minnesota is seeking an experienced analyst to convert operational data into business intelligence. This high-impact role involves creating dashboards and reporting to drive smarter decisions across Engineering, Operations, and Finance.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics or related field, along with 5–7 years of experience in manufacturing operations. A strong grasp of tools like Power BI and SQL is crucial.

Competitive salary range of $85,000 – $105,000 plus possible performance bonuses.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of analytical experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with dashboards and executive reporting tools.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing data and costing.

Responsibilities

• Create executive dashboards and reporting tools.
• Analyze sales orders and manufacturing cycles.
• Support operational forecasting and planning.

Skills

Analytical experience in manufacturing operations

Building KPI frameworks

Data visualization

Operational metrics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics, Engineering, or Finance

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

SQL

Advanced Excel

Job description

Role Overview

Turn Data Into Decisions. Drive the Future of Manufacturing.

At Windings, Inc., we’re not looking for someone to simply build reports. We’re looking for someone who can see patterns before others do, turn operational complexity into clarity, and help shape the future of a growing manufacturing organization.

This is a high‑impact role that sits at the center of Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance. You’ll partner directly with executive leadership to transform raw operational data into actionable business intelligence that drives smarter decisions, stronger margins, and scalable growth.

If you thrive in fast‑paced environments, love solving operational puzzles, and get excited about dashboards, predictive analytics, and continuous improvement — this role was built for you.

Location: Eden Prairie, MN or New Ulm, MN.

What You’ll Do

Build the Story Behind the Numbers

• Create executive‑level dashboards and automated reporting tools using platforms like Power BI or Tableau.
• Develop visualizations that provide insight into operational performance across Quality, Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain.
• Deliver real‑time visibility into KPIs, trends, bottlenecks, and business performance.

Influence Strategic Decisions

• Analyze sales orders, manufacturing cycles, inventory, throughput, and margin trends.
• Support SIOP/S&OP planning and operational forecasting.
• Identify opportunities for margin expansion, working capital improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Help leadership prioritize long‑range investments and growth initiatives.

Drive Cross‑Functional Impact

• Engineering – uncover cost reduction opportunities through product and process analysis.
• Operations – optimize scheduling, capacity planning, and production flow across sites.
• Quality – analyze nonconformance trends and Cost of Quality (CoQ) drivers.
• Supply Chain – improve inventory turns and support supply continuity strategies.

Support Continuous Improvement

• Provide visibility into safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Help drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Use EOS/Traction methodologies to support accountability and execution.

What Makes This Role Exciting

• Direct exposure to executive leadership.
• High visibility and strategic influence.
• Opportunity to shape systems, dashboards, and reporting from the ground up.
• Work that directly impacts growth, profitability, and operational performance.
• A dynamic manufacturing environment where no two days look the same.

Requirements

What You Bring

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics, Engineering, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5–7 years of analytical experience within manufacturing operations.
• Experience building KPI frameworks, dashboards, and executive reporting tools.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing data, costing, throughput, and operational metrics.

Technical Skills

• Power BI, Tableau, or other visualization tools.
• Advanced Excel and Power Query skills.
• SQL and data modeling experience.
• ERP/MRP system experience.

Bonus Points If You Have Experience With

• Engineer‑to‑Order (ETO) manufacturing.
• SIOP/S&OP processes.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Multi‑site or global manufacturing operations.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• On‑time delivery performance.
• Capacity vs. demand planning.
• Inventory turns and working capital improvements.
• Margin expansion opportunities.
• Cost of Quality (CoQ).
• Safety performance and TRIR trends.
• New Product Introduction (NPI) cycle time.
• Program financial performance.

Why Join Us?

At Windings, Inc., employees don’t just work here — they own part of the company’s success. As an employee‑owned organization, every improvement, innovation, and win contributes to a stronger future for all of us.

We’re growing, evolving, and investing in the future. If you’re ready to use analytics to make a real operational impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary Description

$85,000 – $105,000 annual base. The specific compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations. This range is provided in good faith and is subject to adjustments.

Eligible for a performance‑based bonus program based on company goals. Bonus payouts are not guaranteed and are determined at the company's discretion.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here represent those required for this role.

Regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear; frequently use hands and fingers to handle or feel; lift and/or move up to 10 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 50 pounds; regularly required to stand and walk. Vision includes close, distance, peripheral, depth, and focus adjustment.

Work Environment

Characterized by moderate noise. Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for disabilities.

Other Requirements

Applicants must confirm U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence, or undergo additional verification per ITAR/EAR regulations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Windings is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected Veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

No Soliciting

Windings will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or third‑party agencies. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly. Pre‑approval from Windings Talent Acquisition is required before any external submission.