Divisional Manager

Ag Express Electronics is seeking a Divisional Manager to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for our Des Moines, Iowa, and Grand Island, Nebraska locations. This role ensures both facilities operate safely, efficiently, and profitably while meeting high standards of quality, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.

About the Role

Located at our Des Moines, Iowa facility, the Divisional Manager will drive cross-site coordination, strategic planning, and continuous improvement to enhance enterprise performance.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Multi-Site Oversight
  • Provide executive-level oversight and strategic direction to both Des Moines and Grand Island operations.
  • Lead the development and execution of operational strategies aligned with enterprise-wide goals.
  • Establish consistent processes, KPIs, and accountability systems across both facilities.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between each site and executive leadership.
• Engineering-Driven Operational Excellence
  • Apply technical knowledge to improve facility layout, equipment utilization, and throughput.
  • Guide strategic production planning and capacity modeling using data and engineering expertise.
  • Champion innovation in process engineering, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Leadership and Team Development
  • Lead, coach, and empower site leadership teams to foster accountability, performance, and trust.
  • Partner with HR to develop succession plans and support leadership growth.
  • Foster collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement across all levels.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline operations and drive customer satisfaction.
  • Participate in enterprise-wide initiatives such as capital planning and systems integration.
  • Represent the facilities in executive forums with data-driven insights.
• Operations Oversight
  • Ensure performance goals for productivity, quality, safety, delivery, and cost are met or exceeded.
  • Create, implement, and monitor KPIs, taking corrective action as needed.
  • Oversee the Quality Management System (QMS) for compliance with internal and regulatory standards.
  • Coordinate efficient workflows, inventory handling, and logistics.
  • Apply best practices in plant management to maximize uptime and efficiency.
• Production Planning
  • Lead production planning and scheduling to align with customer demand and capacity.
  • Collaborate between sites on capacity planning and resource allocation.
  • Use data to forecast, allocate resources, and adjust plans for optimal output.
• Financial and Business Management
  • Lead development of operational budgets and capital plans for both sites.
  • Monitor financial performance and cost metrics; identify efficiency improvements.
  • Drive data-informed decision-making using ERP systems and performance dashboards.
  • Participate in capital planning and long-term strategic decision-making.
• Continuous Improvement and Process Optimization
  • Drive initiatives focused on waste reduction, process enhancement, and throughput increases.
  • Identify and facilitate improvements to facility layout and material flow.
• Compliance, Safety, and Facility Management
  • Lead a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and internal safety protocols.
  • Support regular safety training, audits, and incident response procedures.
  • Provide strategic direction for building maintenance, utilities, and equipment upkeep.
  • Implement preventative maintenance programs and facility improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Leadership and Operational Expertise
  • Proven success in multi-site or senior plant leadership roles.
  • Experience in production planning, supply chain coordination, and plant-level financial management.
  • Ability to lead and develop teams with a focus on empowerment and accountability.
  • Operational background in capacity planning, materials management, and facility oversight.
  • Knowledge of OSHA regulations, facility safety protocols, and preventive maintenance.
  • Experience managing third-party contractors and vendors.
  • Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and ISO standards.
• Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen
  • Ability to align operational decisions with business strategy.
  • Technical experience in optimizing production systems and facility layout.
  • Strong understanding of financial reporting, P&L management, and business planning.
• Continuous Improvement and Analysis
  • Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
  • Analytical mindset with proficiency in ERP systems and production analytics tools.
• Collaboration
  • Exceptional decision-making, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Comfortable working in fast-paced, evolving environments with shifting priorities.

Qualifications

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
  • Engineering degree (e.g., Mechanical, Industrial), MBA, or advanced leadership training preferred.
• Experience
  • Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership in manufacturing/operations, including 3+ years in a multi-site or strategic plant leadership role.
  • Proficient in Microsoft 365, ERP systems, and performance reporting tools.
• Certifications
  • Lean, Six Sigma, or similar certifications preferred.

Physical Demands

• Lifting and carrying office equipment or materials.
• Standing and walking during onsite meetings and facility navigation.
• Ability to communicate verbally, in writing, and electronically.
• Sitting for extended periods while performing desk-based tasks.
• Repetitive motion, such as typing, with adherence to ergonomic practices.
• Willingness and ability to travel as necessary for business engagements.
• Awareness and adherence to safety protocols and procedures.

Benefits

• Employer-Sponsored Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Group Life, Short-Term Disability (STD) with buy-up options.
• Voluntary Benefits
  • Vision, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Life Insurance.
• Retirement Plans
  • Safe Harbor 401(k) with a 3% annual company contribution and Profit Share.
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with discretionary annual contributions.
• Paid Time Off
  • PTO allowance to support work-life balance.
• Flexible Hours
  • Flexible work hours to foster work-life balance.
• Educational Assistance
  • Financial support for further education or professional certifications.