Senior Operations Leader – Manufacturing

Senior Operations Leader – ManufacturingLocation: Greater Milwaukee, WI Area (On-site)About the RoleWe’re looking for a true hands-on manufacturing operations leader. Someone who thrives on the floor, drives continuous improvement, and knows how to build discipline, structure, and performance inside a growing production environment. This is not a corporate ivory-tower operations role.This is a roll-up-your-sleeves, walk-the-floor, fix-the-bottlenecks, build-the-team kind of job.You’ll lead the full operations footprint and be the driving force behind throughput, efficiency, labor effectiveness, equipment performance, and overall plant execution. If you like stabilizing chaos, improving systems, and getting results through people, this is your kind of environment.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipOversee all daily manufacturing operations including production, planning, scheduling, and maintenance.Build operational discipline, consistency, and accountability across teams and shifts.Establish and manage KPIs for output, efficiency, labor performance, scrap, downtime, and overall plant health.Drive strong floor presence: coaching, problem-solving, and leading by example.Performance & Throughput ImprovementIdentify bottlenecks and implement practical fixes that increase throughput and speed.Lead CI/lean initiatives to reduce waste, eliminate downtime, and improve flow.Modernize processes and bring structure to areas that lack clear systems or standards.Support automation, equipment upgrades, and technology improvements aligned with growth.People LeadershipDevelop, coach, and mentor supervisors, leads, and production teams.Build a strong performance culture rooted in accountability and respect.Improve shift communication, training programs, and overall workforce effectiveness.Partner with HR on staffing, retention, and employee development.Cross-Functional ExecutionWork closely with the executive team on operational priorities, capacity planning, and long-term strategy.Align production with supply chain, planning, sales, and customer needs.Ensure operational readiness for new products, changes, and increased demand.Financial & Cost ManagementManage operational budgets, labor utilization, overtime levels, and material-related costs.Lead CapEx planning tied to equipment, automation, and efficiency initiatives.Consistently identify cost-saving opportunities that also improve output.What You Bring10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years leading teams.A proven track record of improving throughput, stabilizing operations, and building high-performing teams.Strong background in lean, continuous improvement, and practical problem-solving.Deep comfort being on the floor—this is not a desk-only leadership role.Experience managing production teams, maintenance, scheduling, and day-to-day plant execution.Ability to drive clarity, structure, and accountability in a fast-moving environment.Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, manufacturing, or related field preferred.Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive base salary $150,000 - $175,000Performance-based bonus opportunities.Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.401(k) plan.Paid time off and company holidays.