Sr. Manager of Operations Neenah, WI
Summary:The Manager of Operations leads all aspects of the Neenah, WI production facility, which employs approximately 45 team members who support the paper industry by performing mechanical services and producing covers for paper machine rolls.
This role is accountable for achieving annual targets for
safety, quality, efficiency, production, and profitability, while ensuring that a clear strategy and operational plan are developed, communicated, and effectively executed. The Senior Manager also leads and develops the site leadership team to drive consistent performance and continual improvement.
Key Responsibilities:Leadership & Culture- Provide clear direction aligned with site strategy, goals, and commitments, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and financial performance.
- Foster a high-performance, professional, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.
- Drive employee engagement through transparent communication on business objectives, performance status, and individual impact.
- Recognize and reward excellent performance while maintaining accountability for results.
- Maintain and execute succession plans, including development actions for high-potential employees and corrective actions for performance gaps.
- Initiates the development of documented solutions to address gaps in safety, quality or financial performance.
Operational Excellence- Ensure consistent achievement of safety, quality, production, and efficiency targets.
- Identify and optimize the critical aspects of the operation through timely, data-driven decision-making.
- Lead the development of documented solutions that address gaps in safety, quality, or financial performance.
- Ensure standardized systems and continuous improvement practices (Lean, OE) are embedded across the operation.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement- Partner with Sales and Product Management to understand and meet customer expectations for delivery and quality.
- Lead improvement projects at the site, including capital projects.
Strategic Communication & Performance Management- Communicate regularly with employees and the leadership team regarding business results, performance levels, and operational priorities.
- Promote clarity of expectations, alignment to goals, and understanding of performance drivers and hold the team to account for those results.Creates an environment where employees are rewarded for excellent performance and corrective actions are developed for performance deficiencies.
Requirements:Experience & Education- Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience, including at least 1 year in operations management.
- Bachelor's degree in a technical or business discipline, or equivalent experience required.
Technical & Analytical Skills- Knowledge and experience with execution of operational excellence, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement practices required.
- Familiarity with AI and low-code technologies; experience with tools such as MS Copilot, Power Apps, or MS Forms preferred.
- Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems and data analytics tools, including JD Edwards, Power BI, and Pyramid BI.
- Ability to extract, analyze, and interpret data to support decision-making.
Leadership & Interpersonal Skills- Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees at all levels.
- Demonstrated problem-solving and project management capabilities.
- Strong communication skills and customer-service orientation.
- High attention to detail and excellent people-management abilities.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:- Ability to talk and hear in an industrial environment with moderate noise levels.
- Frequent standing, walking, and sitting; occasional reaching, lifting, stooping, and crouching.
- Visual requirements include close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Must be able to work full-time onsite at the Neenah, WI facility.
- Occasional domestic and international travel required.
