Operations Project Leader – Manufacturing Strategy

Job Description

Operations Project Leader – Manufacturing Strategy

The Operations Project Leader – Manufacturing Strategy leads development and deployment of key operations-wide, strategic initiatives. The Project Leader leads and directs cross-functional team members throughout the project(s) or initiative(s), accountable for driving action on key strategic initiatives and ensuring execution is meeting deliverables. This role is responsible for creating business case proposals for strategic projects, requiring a strong understanding of how the business works, identifying opportunities, exploring alternatives and sensitivity analysis leading to providing recommendations to senior leadership. This role will specifically be responsible for leading the development and implementation of a multi-year operational strategy for component manufacturing for machined metal parts and associated specialty product categories.

This position is a fundamental part of our cross-functional team located in a fast-paced environment with remote manufacturing locations globally. The ideal candidate will be a strong leader with proven “big picture” vision, problem solving, critical thinking, financial acumen and change management experience. This candidate will also have a well-rounded work experience in operations, supply chain, analysis, quality, project management, and execution of new product development (operations-focused). Additionally, this position will be an integral part of the strategic planning process for the company's operations. Many of the projects will be strategic in nature and highly visible across the organization, requiring excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Duties, Responsibilities, & Objectives

• Strategic Planning & Execution - Partner with international site leaders, business owners, new product development, and engineering to develop and execute multi-year strategic plans for our Machine Shop business and associated product lines. Identify barriers to success, propose initiatives to overcome them, and track progress on key objectives. Develop operational strategies blending business needs with operational feasibility and gain organizational alignment to implement.
• Data-Driven Decision Making - Use analytical thinking and business data to identify opportunities for improving operational KPIs across Milwaukee Tool’s global supply chain. Conduct research and perform ad-hoc analyses to support strategic proposals and decisions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Build strong relationships with diverse business functions to understand their goals and KPIs. Influence and align teams across all levels to drive unified strategic outcomes.
• Project Leadership & Facilitation – Lead global project meetings by setting agendas, documenting action items, and ensuring follow-through. Maintain visibility of project timelines, hold teams accountable, and escalate risks or roadblocks when necessary.
• Executive-Level Modeling & Reporting - Develop complex financial and business models in Excel while leveraging organizational data assets to support scenario planning and executive decision-making. Provide clear reporting on metrics, progress, and results to leadership and global stakeholders.
• Change Management & Integration - Ensure successful implementation of changes through consistent communication, follow-up, and application of change management methodologies. Anticipate future challenges and proactively mitigate risks.
• Strategic Visualization & Planning - Independently assess the full scope of business proposals and projects, while maintaining alignment with broader organizational goals.
• Scenario Planning & Recommendations - Present multiple “what-if” scenarios with a strong understanding of financial and operational impacts. Recommend optimal paths forward based on experience and data.
• Global Communication & Travel Requirement - Periodic travel may be required, up to 25%. This is a global role and will require off-hour flexibility to meet virtually with global team members (Asia time zone).
  
  

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Engineering, Finance or equivalent years of directly related experience in Operations or Lean/Continuous Improvement roles
• Minimum 7 years related Operations, Engineering, or Supply Chain experience
• Demonstrate analytical mindset and “big picture” strategic thinking, requires strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Previous facilitator and coaching experiences where problem solving, process development and/or behavior change methods and tools have been used
• Previous experience with component manufacturing – processes, costing, and management of such operations
• Proficient project management skills
• Advanced data analysis and scenario modeling skills
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint
• Previous exposure to digital transformation, data acquisition and analysis, and using big data to solve business problems
• Previous experience distilling complex problems into concise executive presentations
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills
• Possess strong written and verbal communication and collaboration skills in an executive setting
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s Degree pertinent to any cross functional business interactions
• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment a plus.
• Track record of success with cross functional teams, driving change and implementing new processes
• International work experience and exposure
• Effective written and oral communication skills, ability to establish rapport and credibility.
  
  

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.