Location: 3094 Lester Drive, Kendallville, IN 46755Hours: Monday - Friday (40 hours work week, flexibility as needed)
What You'll Do- Provide leadership and strategic direction for manufacturing operations, driving performance across safety, quality, productivity, downtime, cost, and operational goals
- Lead staffing plans, production schedules, quality initiatives, and operational changes to ensure the team meets or exceeds performance and budget expectations
- Drive Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce waste and downtime, strengthen quality, and optimize overall operational performance
- Lead and influence employees and front-line leaders through organizational and cultural change, building accountability and a high-performance manufacturing environment
- Oversee key operational and maintenance priorities, including preventive maintenance, work orders, equipment installations and upgrades, maintenance costs, and project execution
- Monitor KPIs and operational data across pressroom and digital operations, partnering cross-functionally to identify priorities, resolve performance gaps, and successfully execute improvement projects
What You'll Bring- Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing experience
- 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including responsibility for production teams and ideally the development of Production Supervisors or other front-line leaders
- Demonstrated success leading teams to achieve safety, quality, productivity, delivery, cost, and operational performance objectives
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement, with experience using Lean tools, data, KPIs, and structured problem-solving methods to improve performance
- Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills, with experience managing operational initiatives, process changes, equipment installations, capital projects, or facility improvements
- Strong communication, coaching, decision-making, and team-building skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and lead effectively in a fast-paced, complex manufacturing environment
Discover What Makes Kendallville Special
Opened 12 years ago as a digital plant, our Kendallville site combines innovation with small-town charm. With a tight-knit team and a strong community presence, we're proud to call this a vibrant town.
We employ approximately 160 team members who bring energy, care, and commitment to everything they do. Our flexible environment supports work-life balance and respects every voice.
Kendallville offers a variety of fun, local traditions:
- Community events like the Apple Festival, Bluegrass Festival, 4-H Fair, and Christmas Parade
- Unique spots like the Windmill Museum and Historic Downtown
- A welcoming small-town atmosphere with year-round festivals
We Give Back to Our Community
Our employees take pride in giving back:
- Volunteer and donate to local groups like Kate's Carts, the Salvation Army, and East Noble Schools
- Active in the Chamber of Commerce, cancer walks, and the Kendallville Masjid/American Muslim Society
- Regular supporters of the local food pantry, 4-H Fair, and Apple Fest
We Celebrate and Support Our People
A fun and engaging culture keeps our team connected:
- Food-focused fun like pizza days, donut & cider treats, and breakfasts cooked by managers
- Games and recognition events like Plinko Month, Safety Bingo, and NCAA brackets
- Holiday activities like "Mix & Mingle" Chex Mix bars and College Swag Days
What makes Kendallville truly stand out?
Our people. Employees are heard, respected, and supported-with real growth opportunities. We value flexibility, balance, and building a workplace where everyone can thrive.
A Culture of Safety and ResponsibilityAt Lakeside Book Company, safety is more than a rule - it's part of who we are. We're committed to creating a workplace where every employee, visitor, and customer. That means staying alert, looking out for one another, and making smart, safe daily choices.
Please note: This job posting outlines key responsibilities and expectations for the role. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.
