Operations Manager

About usAir Quality Engineering (AQE) is a Minnesota-based 100% Employee Owned company that specializes in providing air filtration and air purification solutions to businesses and institutions across the United States. The company has been in operation for over four decades and has developed a reputation for manufacturing high-quality products that effectively improve air quality in industrial and commercial settings. AQE's product range includes industrial air cleaners, ambient air cleaners, mist collectors, and dust collectors, among others.

The company's industrial air cleaners are suitable for manufacturing facilities and other industrial settings, where the removal of contaminants such as smoke, dust, and fumes are necessary for employee health and safety. AQE's ambient air cleaners, are designed to improve the indoor air quality of commercial spaces, such as offices, schools, and hospitals.

The company has a team of experienced engineers and technicians who work closely with customers to develop customized air filtration solutions that meet their unique needs. AQE's products are manufactured in the United States using high-quality materials and components, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and a focus on innovation, AQE has established itself as a leading provider of air filtration solutions throughout the world.

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee our vertically integrated production lines. You will be responsible for laser cutting, forming, MIG and spot welding in the fabrication area. Painting is outsourced but requires shipping and receiving to the painter. Final mechanical and electrical assembly are completed on the respective industrial and commercial product lines. This position also manages purchasing, planning, logistics and continued implementation of Lean. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing daily operations, ensuring quality standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This individual will ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards and implement Lean and Visual Workplace methodologies to optimize efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Leadership: Ensure adequate production staffing levels and quality team members, providing technical support. Lead operations with a sense of urgency building a team that is 3 deep in training for all tasks and positions in a cost-efficient manner. Identify and develop ROI of capital equipment needs.
• Production Operations: Monitor schedule, production performance, develop and ensure quality outcomes. Supervise and back-up the Production working leads, planning, and purchasing functions.
• Waste Elimination: Provide strategic and concrete plans to eliminate waste and increase productivity and net/gross profit margins of plant and organizational operations.
• Financial: Prepare and control operational budgets, review financial data. Utilize financial data to improve profitability.
• Safety: Lead safety initiatives, safety committee, and achieve measurable safety metrics.
• Purchasing: Manage purchasing function and maintain and update automated purchasing system. Establish and maintain vendors, manage blanket orders. Manage and control inventory levels.
• Shipping and Receiving: Oversee shipping and receiving team
• Technology: Lead best practices of technology integration across company operations.
• Continuous Improvement/Lean Practices: Utilize continuous improvement and Lean tools to champion organizational efficiencies and initiatives. Facilitate standard work and related Kaizen events.
• Best Practices: Improve processes and policies in support of organizational goals. Formulate policies to maximize output and limit costs. Monitor adherence to rules, regulations, and procedures to conform to ISO 9001 Standards.
• Team Management: Plan human resource departmental needs. Lead and organize staff recruitment. Supervise team members, monitor, and evaluate performance of direct reports. Participate in the evaluation of indirect reports.
• Facility Management: Oversee facility improvements and repairs. Gather bids, select, and manage facility vendors.
• Additional Responsibilities: Foster interdepartmental communications, participate as a member of the management team, and contribute to strategy development, strategic plans, and operational planning. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• *Will personally be training team on 5S, Lean, Visual Workplace and Kaizen Events

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Or equivalent training and experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in an operations management role within the manufacturing industry. Experience with metal fabrication companies and having skills to train staff on brake presses, spot welding, laser cutting, and other metal fabrication processes.
• Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills. Proficiency with ERP systems, particularly Global Shop Solutions. Knowledge of Lean principles and ISO 9001 standards. ISO auditing training.
• Understanding theory and implementation of Lean Manufacturing including 5S / 6S, Visual Workplace, and ability and experience leading Kaizen events.
• Preference given to individuals associated with and trained by Manufacturers Alliance.

Benefits

· Competitive salary

· Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

· Retirement savings plan through ESOP program.

· Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

· 401K program

· 100% Employee Owned.

Core Values

Air Quality Engineering promotes and encourages all employees to demonstrate our company values in their work and engagement with team members, customers, and vendors:

• Respectfulness: Treating everyone with dignity and consideration.
• Customer Focus: Prioritizing the needs and satisfaction of our customers.
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively and supporting one another.
• Integrity: Upholding honesty and strong moral principles.
• Wisdom Applied: Using knowledge and experience to make sound decisions.

Note: The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

If you are a results-driven leader with a passion for metal fabrication and continuous improvement, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Minneapolis, MN 55428 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $105,000