What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Manager position at WISCONSIN ALUMINUM FOUNDRY MASTER?
Operations Manager – Manitowoc Pattern and Machining
Manitowoc, WI
We are looking for an Operations Manager to step into a high-visibility, high-impact environment where production, quality, and communication systems need to be strengthened quickly. This is not a “maintain the status quo” role. This is a roll-up-your-sleeves leadership position where you will stabilize operations, build structure, and drive accountability across shifts.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Lead daily operations across machining and production cells with a focus on meeting customer delivery expectations
- Establish clear communication across all shifts, including weekends, to ensure alignment on production priorities and shipment requirements
- Drive real-time decision-making on the floor related to quality, production flow, and downtime
- Partner closely with Quality to ensure timely inspection feedback (CMM) and reduce risk of nonconforming product continuing through production
- Improve production stability and throughput while minimizing scrap and rework
- Develop and hold teams accountable through consistent performance management and documentation
- Ensure leadership presence across shifts, with systems in place so production is supported at all times
What Success Looks Like (First 90 Days)
- Communication across shifts is consistent, proactive, and reliable
- Inspection turnaround times improve and operators receive faster feedback
- Clear ownership and accountability are established across production and quality
- Production flow becomes more stable with reduced risk of extended scrap runs
What We Need From You
- 5 years of leadership experience in machining, manufacturing, or automotive environments
- Strong understanding of quality systems (CMM, GD&T, root cause analysis)
- Proven ability to step into ambiguity and create structure quickly
- Comfortable making production decisions in real time
- Experience leading teams across multiple shifts or 24/7 operations
- A hands-on leadership style—you’re on the floor, not behind a desk
- Ability to coach, develop, and elevate team capability, including less experienced employees
Why This Role Matters
This role is critical to stabilizing and scaling a key area of our operation. You’ll have the opportunity to make immediate impact, build systems that last, and elevate both production and quality performance. To learn more about our company and to apply, please visit https://www.mpmonline.com/