Operations Manager

Job Tag: Posted: September 09,2026 An established manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead a large-scale production operation in the Detroit Lakes/Perham area. This is a highly visible leadership opportunity overseeing approximately 200 employees through frontline supervisors and team leaders. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in manufacturing operations, Lean/Continuous Improvement, and people leadership, with the ability to improve operational performance while developing the next generation of frontline leaders. This position offers a strong long-term career path as they promote within. Responsibilities Lead day-to-day operations for a manufacturing area of approximately 200 employees Provide leadership and direction to frontline supervisors, team leaders, support staff, and production employees Establish expectations and drive accountability for safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance Develop, coach, and mentor supervisors and team leaders Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on eliminating waste, improving flow, increasing productivity, and reducing costs Utilize Lean tools including value stream mapping, line balancing, flow improvement, visual management, and structured problem-solving Identify operational bottlenecks and develop solutions to improve throughput and manufacturing performance Monitor key performance indicators and communicate results, opportunities, and action plans Partner with cross-functional teams on production planning, forecasting, new product introductions, and operational execution Identify and prioritize resources needed to achieve annual operating plans and budgets Drive improvements in scrap, rework, labor efficiency, productivity, and overall manufacturing costs Foster a positive employee environment by listening to employees, addressing concerns, and supporting career development Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement Support the transition of new products, processes, and technologies into manufacturing Participate in project reviews, performance meetings, and operational planning activities Work closely with site leadership to achieve overall plant objectives Desired Skills And Experience Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field 10+ years of progressive manufacturing/operations experience Demonstrated progression in leadership responsibility, ideally from supervisor through manager-level roles Experience leading large-scale manufacturing operations through frontline supervisors and team leaders Lean Six Sigma experience; Green Belt required, Black Belt preferred Proven track record of leading continuous improvement initiatives Experience with operational planning, forecasting, production execution, and performance management Strong understanding of manufacturing safety, quality, productivity, cost, and delivery metrics Ability to work effectively in a structured, matrixed organization Strong communication, problem-solving, coaching, and employee-development skills Ability to build relationships with frontline employees while maintaining accountability for performance