Senior Manager, Operations

Essential Functions

Must care about people, valuing staff as the greatest assets of Wenger.

Responsible for leading by example and adhering to and/or enforcing all Wenger operating policies and practices.

Safety/Environmental – Must have a proven fluency in understanding how to develop and sustain best practices in safety. This includes a Safety-First bias with a strong focus on accident prevention.

Risk Mitigation – Assesses present and future needs, trends, problems, and conditions within Manufacturing that could harm employees, threaten the supply chain, reduce productivity, and/or impact quality and profitability.

Leads the development and execution of business plans, operating policies, budgets, and strategic initiatives that support the Company's overall objectives. Establishes and monitors short- and long-term operational and financial goals aligned with Business Plan Objectives (BPOs), ensuring success is measured through meaningful KPIs and achievement of budget, productivity, quality, and cost performance targets.

Drives productivity improvements through regular Kaizen activities and other Lean practices that are evaluated, established, and sustained over time.

Supports Quality Assurance and Zero Defects initiatives through KPI-driven objectives. Implements corrective action methodologies such as 5 Why Analysis, Fishbone Diagrams, A3 Problem Solving, and similar continuous improvement tools.

Ensures approved policies and objectives are clearly understood and effectively applied.

Reviews and appraises manufacturing activities and performance results. Recommends and supports corrective actions as necessary.

Reviews and evaluates contracts, appropriations, and expenditure requests.

Develops and trains managers and leaders within the Company and reviews performance.

Works in conjunction with Human Resources to develop training plans that enhance employee performance.

Recommends compensation changes for key personnel in accordance with Company policy and assists in ensuring organizational structures are appropriately staffed.

May support acquisition, merger, facility expansion, or greenfield projects, including evaluation and utilization of physical assets and facilities.

Ensures policies, procedures, training, and implementation practices are standardized across locations.

Communicates regularly with individuals and departments throughout the organization.

Performs other duties as assigned based on business needs.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

Manufacturing environment: will be exposed to loud noises and machinery with moving parts.

Domestic and international travel required

Skills and Abilities

Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multi-discipline team environment.

Ability to execute agreed tasks and deadlines against performance criteria (KPIs)

Result-oriented with the ability to follow through and respect deadlines.

Proficient skills using Microsoft Suite and other programs as needed.

Proactive and organized.

Ability to manage confidential information.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing Management, Engineering Technology or a related discipline.

Minimum of 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including plant management, operations management, continuous improvement, or related manufacturing leadership roles.

Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement disciplines.

Strong financial and business acumen.

Problem-solving and root cause analysis proficiency.

OSHA compliance knowledge.

Demonstrated success in improving safety, quality, productivity, delivery performance and cost management.

ERP and/or MRP system knowledge.