General Manager - Brainerd, MNIf you are passionate about leading people, elevating performance, strengthening cross-functional alignment, and driving results in a high-growth manufacturing environment-this role is for you.
Perks & Benefits- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and employer HSA contributions
- PTO & Paid Holidays upon hire
- 401(k) with employer match
- Profit Sharing
- Tuition reimbursement
- Monthly activities and employee events
- Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
- Employee recognition programs (with complimentary meals!)
About the Role: General ManagerThe General Manager is the
site leader for the Brainerd manufacturing facility, responsible for delivering safe, high-quality, on-time, and cost-effective operations. This role owns all aspects of plant performance-including production, maintenance, supply chain, scheduling, and warehouse/shipping-while partnering closely with Quality, Safety, Finance, Engineering, HR, and other teams to achieve business goals.
The General Manager plays a critical role in translating strategy into execution, developing leaders, fostering cultural excellence, and ensuring Lexington remains an employer of choice in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
The pay range for this role is $145,000 to $172,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Core ResponsibilitiesSite Leadership- Provide clear communication, direction, and vision for all site functions
- Translate corporate strategy into executable plans with measurable targets
- Anticipate site needs and lead long-range planning for people, materials, equipment, and capacity
- Champion a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and ownership
- Ensure a safe, positive, respectful, and highly engaged work environment
Operational Performance- Lead teams to achieve KPIs in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost
- Ensure reliable execution through standard work, visual management, and tiered communication
- Optimize workforce planning, material flow, and equipment utilization
- Ensure compliance, equipment uptime, and stable processes
- Drive cross-functional issue resolution and operational discipline
Financial Management & Business Results- Own the operational P&L: labor, materials, overhead, capital
- Partner with Finance to establish budgets, forecasts, and cost-reduction plans
- Collaborate with Sales on revenue goals
- Review KPIs and financial performance; implement corrective actions
- Lead cost-saving initiatives through LEAN and structured problem-solving methods
- Ensure strong inventory control and scheduling excellence
People Leadership & Talent Development- Lead, coach, and develop managers and high-potential employees
- Set clear expectations, drive accountability, and ensure strong communication
- Partner with HR on staffing, performance, retention, and workforce planning
- Build leadership capability across the plant and reinforce Right Person/Right Seat
- Champion a culture of teamwork, recognition, learning, and continuous improvement
Collaboration & Cross-Functional Partnership- Foster deep collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Safety, CI, HR, Finance, and IT
- Ensure alignment between operations, supply chain, planning, and customer service
- Remove barriers and influence cross-departmental problem solving
- Maintain an active, positive presence in the Brainerd Lakes community, strengthening Lexington's identity as an employer of choice
Change Leadership & Continuous Improvement- Serve as a visible change agent for new systems, processes, and initiatives
- Sponsor improvement efforts focused on throughput, quality, capacity, and growth
- Promote data-driven decisions and structured problem solving (A3, 5 Why, Kaizen, PDCA)
- Embed LEAN behaviors throughout plant culture
Success ProfileWhat You Need to KNOW (Knowledge)- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, process flow, and plant performance metrics
- Business and financial acumen including P&L, forecasting, budgeting, and KPI management
What You Need to DO (Competencies)- Convert strategy into executable plans
- Make timely, informed decisions and communicate the "why"
- Exhibit continuous improvement behaviors
- Collaborate cross-functionally for business-wide success
- Hold self and others accountable under Right Person Right Seat
- Demonstrate strong emotional intelligence and situational awareness
What You Need to HAVE DONE (Experience)- Extensive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
- Successful track record elevating plant performance
- Demonstrated success developing teams and future leaders
- Experience leading cross-functional operations or business teams
WHO You Are (Personal Attributes)- Resilient, composed, and steady under pressure
- Natural collaborator who builds unity and shared success
- Positive, encouraging, and able to rally teams
- Accountable and ownership-driven
Job RequirementsMust Have- Bachelor's degree required (Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field preferred)
- 7+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
- Prior Plant Manager or similar operational leadership experience
- Strong ERP, data analysis, and Microsoft Office proficiency
- Ability to stand/walk for extended periods; lift 40 lbs; tolerate heat/cold and plant environment
Nice to Have- Master's degree (MBA or related)
- LEAN/CI certification or significant CI leadership experience
Working Environment- Noise and dust levels requiring hearing and eye protection
- Varied hot/cold warehouse temperatures
- Some exposure to humidity and paint smells
- Repetitive movements and extended standing/walking
Apply TodayIf you are eager to join a company that values its employees, invests in their growth, and plays a meaningful role in improving buildings worldwide, we encourage you to apply.
