Manufacturing Operations Manager

Submissions from third-party recruiters or employment agencies will not be accepted. All candidates must apply directly.

Company Overview

Electro Freeze/H.C. Duke LLC, a Welbilt Company, located in East Moline, Illinois, is a leader in the design and innovation of frozen treat equipment.  Our product line includes solutions for soft serve, yogurt, shake, frozen beverages, hard pack/gelato batch freezers, and flavor systems. 

Position Overview

The Manufacturing Operations Manager is responsible for leading manufacturing operations, inventory management, quality initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts for Electro Freeze/H.C. Duke. This position provides leadership to production, inventory control, and related operational functions to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing operations while meeting customer expectations for quality and delivery.

The Manufacturing Operations Manager works closely with Engineering, Customer Service, Finance, Human Resources, Sales and Leadership to support business objectives and drive operational excellence.

Pay Range: $100,000-$130,000/year 

Additional compensation is available for hours worked beyond 45 hours, in a standard work week. 

Key Responsibilities:

Operations Leadership

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to achieve quality, delivery, and cost objectives, with safety at the forefront of all.

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production, inventory, labor efficiency, on-time delivery, quality.

• Identify and implement process improvements that increase productivity and reduce waste.

• Support operational goal setting.

• Monitor production capacity and staffing requirements to meet changing business demands.

• Ensure effective coordination between production, purchasing, engineering, and service functions.

• Resolve production bottlenecks and capacity constraints.

• Support successful launches of new products and engineering changes.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.

• Facilitate root cause analysis, corrective actions, and waste reduction activities.

• Drive improvements in workflow, labor utilization, inventory accuracy, and production performance.

• Assist with make-versus-buy evaluations and sourcing decisions.

Safety and Quality

• Model and promote a strong culture of workplace safety and regulatory compliance.

• Partner with Production Supervisors and Leadership to improve product quality and reduce defects.

• Support auditing activities and corrective action programs.

• Ensure compliance with company policies and manufacturing standards.

Leadership and Employee Development

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and operational team members.

• Foster engagement, accountability, and professional growth of both direct and indirect reports.

• Assist with workforce planning, succession planning, and talent development.

• Partner with Human Resources regarding staffing, performance management, training, and employee relations matters.

Financial Management

• In conjunction with Finance, oversee production inventory control and annual physical inventory.

• Assist in managing and monitoring departmental expenses.

• Monitor operational spending and identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Support annual operating plans and profitability initiatives.

• Develop production inventory strategies that balance production requirements with inventory investment.

Benefits:

Employer sponsored benefits:

• Employee group term life insurance and AD&D

• Short -term and long-term disability

• Company HSA contribution for HDHP

• Employee assistance program

• Financial wellness services

• Travel assistance

• Annual discretionary 401k bonus

• 10 paid holidays

• Paid time off

• Annual PPE reimbursement program

Voluntary benefit offerings:

• Medical insurance (PPO and HDHP with HSA)

• Prescription benefits

• Dental insurance

• Vision benefits

• Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts

• Additional voluntary life insurance and AD&D, including dependent coverage

• Supplemental plans (Critical illness, accident insurance, hospital indemnity)

• Group legal coverage and identity theft protection

• 401k program with a company match

Job Requirements:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Management, Business Administration, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum 5-7 years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience managing production operations in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ERP systems and production planning processes.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive results.

Preferred

• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems.
• APICS/CPIM certification.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement training.
• Experience in metal fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, or related manufacturing processes.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Manufacturing operations management
• Production planning and scheduling
• Inventory management and materials control
• Lean Manufacturing principles
• Supply chain management
• Financial and operational analysis
• Employee leadership and development
• Project management
• ERP systems and reporting tools
• Microsoft Office Suite

Salary : $100,000 - $130,000