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Founding Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for motivated individuals to join our founding team. To help you succeed, immediate training opportunities are available at our current locations, allowing you to develop your skills ...

GENERAL MANAGER West Central Minnesota | Confidential Search | Full-Time, On-Site $165,000 - $235 ... The founding operator is moving toward retirement and will remain involved through a structured ...

Since our founding in 2012, Roers Cos. has developed more than $4 billion in real estate ... Development of Asset Management plans for all Roers Companies LIHTC assets. * Monitor the lease-up ...

Asset Manager - LIHTC

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$102K - $134K/yr

Since our founding in 2012, Roers Cos. has developed more than $4 billion in real estate ... Development of Asset Management plans for all Roers Companies LIHTC assets. * Monitor the lease-up ...

Asset Manager - LIHTC

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$102K - $134K/yr

Since our founding in 2012, Roers Cos. has developed more than $4 billion in real estate ... Development of Asset Management plans for all Roers Companies LIHTC assets. * Monitor the lease-up ...

Asset Manager - LIHTC

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$102K - $134K/yr

Since our founding in 2012, Roers Cos. has developed more than $4 billion in real estate ... Development of Asset Management plans for all Roers Companies LIHTC assets. * Monitor the lease-up ...

Quality Assurance Manager

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

It was our founding belief in 1931 and continues to be our guiding principle. We are redefining ... Manage the release process, inspection, and batch release activities. * Oversee, initiate ...

Produce Assistant Manager

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$18.25 - $22.75/hr

... founding members. In the nearly 40 years since then, Linden Hills Co-op has moved and expanded its ... Assists Produce Manager in selecting items for specials; marks down items as needed to reduce ...

Be Seen First

Since our founding in 2006, we have built a reputation for low costs, innovative products, and ... Schedule appointments accurately within our CRM or scheduling systems while maintaining organized ...

Be Seen First

Since our founding in 2006, we have built a reputation for low costs, innovative products, and ... Schedule appointments accurately within our CRM or scheduling systems while maintaining organized ...

$290K - $315K/yr

... founding member of the Enterprise Account Management team. You'll help establish the playbooks, the culture, and best practices. * Negotiate all facets of renewal contracts. Develop win/win ...

Showing results 41-60

Founding Manager information

What is a founding manager?

A Founding Manager is one of the earliest leaders or executives in a startup or new company. They are responsible for helping to establish the organization’s vision, culture, and operational foundation. Their duties typically include overseeing daily operations, strategic planning, hiring initial team members, and driving early growth. Founding Managers often work closely with other founders to make critical decisions and set the direction for the company's future. Their role tends to be very hands-on and multifaceted, especially during the company's formative stages.

What is the difference between Founding Manager vs Project Manager?

AspectFounding ManagerProject Manager
CredentialsExperience in startup leadership, business developmentProject management certifications (PMP, CAPM), relevant industry experience
Work EnvironmentStartup or new business environment, high uncertaintyCorporate or organizational settings, structured projects
Employer & Industry UsageFounders, startups, new business venturesCompanies across industries managing specific projects
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in startupsManaging projects, timelines, and deliverables

The Founding Manager typically leads new business initiatives, focusing on startup growth and strategic direction, often with entrepreneurial experience. In contrast, a Project Manager oversees specific projects within established organizations, ensuring timely delivery and resource management. While both roles require leadership and organizational skills, the Founding Manager operates in a more dynamic, uncertain environment, whereas the Project Manager works within structured project frameworks.

What are some unique challenges a founding manager might face when building an early-stage team?

As a Founding Manager, you’ll often be tasked with assembling a team from the ground up, which can be both exciting and challenging. One common hurdle is recruiting and retaining top talent with limited resources and minimal brand recognition. You’ll also need to wear multiple hats, balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution, while fostering a collaborative culture in a fast-paced, uncertain environment. Flexibility, resilience, and strong communication skills are crucial for navigating these challenges and setting the foundation for long-term success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a founding manager?

To thrive as a Founding Manager, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, and business development skills, often backed by entrepreneurial experience or a degree in business management. Familiarity with startup tools such as project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello), CRM platforms, and basic financial systems is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, resilience, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for navigating uncertainty and motivating early teams. These qualities enable a Founding Manager to drive growth, build a cohesive team, and successfully launch and scale new ventures.
What are the most commonly searched types of Founding jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Founding jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Founding Manager jobs in Minnesota? For Founding Manager jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Founding Manager jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Founding Manager jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Founding Manager jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Founding Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Founding Manager job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Working at Knobelsdorff (KE)

Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions.

Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core values. Starting your career with KE means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work.

If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, KE is the place for you.

Job Description

This role supports all KE locations and operational teams by leading facilities operations, maintenance programs, and workplace improvement initiatives across offices, shops, yards, and support spaces. You’ll be responsible for facility maintenance, vendor management, space planning, capital improvement projects, and operational readiness that directly impacts employee productivity, safety, and business operations. Success in this role means creating safe, reliable, and well-maintained facilities that support KE’s continued growth and operational excellence, all while upholding KE’s commitment to Safety, People, Passion, and Performance. If you're someone who takes pride in doing things the right way and thrives in a fast-moving environment, this position is built for you.

What You'll Do

Facilities & Site Operations

  • Lead day-to-day facilities operations across offices/shops/yards: preventive maintenance, repairs, inspections, and vendor dispatch.
  • Set and maintain consistent facility standards (organization, cleanliness, safety readiness, storage layout) to support productivity and recruiting/retention.
  • Maintain building systems readiness (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, doors/locks, fire/life safety systems, security/access control) and coordinate service as needed.
  • Serve as the point person for site issues, coordinating triage and communication so impacts to operations are minimized.

Work Order System & Preventive Maintenance Program

  • Implement and manage a simple, repeatable work order intake, prioritization, and closeout process with clear service level expectations.
  • Build a preventive maintenance calendar and inspection routines to reduce unplanned failures and improve reliability.
  • Coordinate required inspections and testing (as applicable) such as fire/life safety, extinguishers, alarms, sprinklers, backflow, and similar systems.

Vendor, Contract, and Budget Management

  • Manage service partners and contracts (HVAC, plumbing, electrical service, doors/locks, fire/life safety, janitorial, waste, snow/landscaping, etc.).
  • Create clear scopes of work, track vendor performance, and ensure work quality, safety, and on-time completion.
  • Support annual planning and ongoing tracking for facilities operating expenses; identify cost-saving opportunities without sacrificing reliability.

Space Planning, Capacity, and Moves

  • Partner with the Assets team, Operations and Procurement to forecast facility and space needs (headcount, growth, project demands) and build capacity plans.
  • Plan and coordinate internal moves, space reconfigurations, and onboarding of new spaces (furniture, fixtures, access, signage, storage solutions).
  • Maintain space utilization insights and site maps/layouts that leadership can use for planning.

Facility Projects & Improvements

  • Plan and deliver facility projects (renovations, storage optimization, yard improvements, expansions) with clear scope, schedule, and cost control.
  • Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external contractors to ensure minimal disruption to operations.
  • Support permitting, inspections, and closeout documentation as required.

Safety, Compliance, and Emergency Readiness

  • Partner with Safety to keep facilities audit-ready and aligned with safety expectations (housekeeping, egress, signage, PPE stations, and site readiness).
  • Support compliance with applicable building codes, inspections, and documentation; escalate risks and drive corrective actions.
  • Maintain emergency preparedness basics (contacts, procedures, signage, basic supplies) and coordinate site-specific needs.

Cross-Functional Partnership & Service Mindset

  • Work closely with the Assets team, Procurement, Operations, Safety, IT, HR, and Finance to align facility operations with business needs.
  • Bring an internal-customer mindset—service-oriented, responsive, and solutions-driven—while still enforcing standards and accountability.
  • Communicate proactively about planned work, outages, and facility impacts to keep teams informed and productive.
Qualifications

What You Bring

You’re someone who shows up ready to work hard, learn fast, and contribute to a team that takes pride in doing things right. Successful candidates typically bring:

  • 5–10+ years of facilities management experience in a multi-site environment (industrial, construction, warehouse, or similar)
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between KE locations as needed
  • Working knowledge of building systems including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire/life safety, and security/access control systems
  • Experience managing vendors, maintenance programs, facility projects, and budgets
  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to build processes, maintain standards, and support a fast-paced, field-focused organization

Bonus Points For

  • Experience in the construction, skilled trades, or contractor environment
  • Experience utilizing a CMMS or work order management system
  • Familiarity with OSHA compliance, safety programs, and industrial facility operations
  • Lean, continuous improvement, or project management experience/certification

Additional Information

Pay Range

We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in.

Pay Range: $97,120.00 - $109,260.00 per year

Total Rewards 

As a full-time employee at KE, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future. 

  • 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees 
  • HSA contributions to support your medical expenses 
  • Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage 
  • 401(k) with competitive company match
  • Paid weekly with competitive wages 
  • PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement 
  • Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage 

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and climb stairs throughout the workday.
  • Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to travel regularly between KE locations and project sites.
  • Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
  • Ability to inspect buildings, facilities, storage yards, and construction-related environments.
  • Ability to safely navigate active operational, warehouse, and construction settings when required.

Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact KE Human Resources via email at HR@KEway.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

Knobelsdorff (KE) is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

  • EEO is the Law (English/Spanish)

KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters.

If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.