Machine Apprentice Jobs in Big Lake, MN (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Operations Manager

Job Description

The Operations Manager directs all manufacturing activities from production through shipping to ensure that Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Cost (SQDIC) goals are consistently achieved. This role leads a team of supervisors and production staff, optimizes machine and labor utilization, and drives continuous improvement in partnership with Engineering. The Operations Manager enforces safety and company policies, manages budgets and capital projects, and ensures that manufacturing processes meet regulatory and customer requirements in a precision machining and assembly environment focused on medical devices.

Responsibilities

• Direct the daily work activities of employees and oversee all manufacturing processes from production through shipping to ensure SQDIC goals are consistently met.
• Supervise staff and oversee the management of all employees, including workforce planning and selection, work planning and direction, coaching, training, and performance management.
• Plan and schedule machines and personnel to maximize efficiencies, capacity, and profitability while meeting customer delivery requirements.
• Conduct capacity analyses to determine the ability to meet future demand and provide clear recommendations on how to expand capacity when needed.
• Prepare and justify capital expenditure requests for equipment required for additional capacity or replacement of existing assets.
• Take responsibility for revenue realization against the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) on a monthly and annual basis.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement (CI) activities for the department, ensuring LEAN principles are implemented to improve performance of work cells and processes.
• Enforce compliance with all safety rules and regulations, take prompt corrective action on potential safety hazards, and ensure all required safety training is completed on time.
• Actively participate in monthly safety meetings and promote a strong safety culture throughout the facility.
• Enforce all company policies and procedures and complete administrative tasks associated with managing people and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure appropriate inventory levels of tooling and parts are maintained to support production requirements.
• Work closely with the Maintenance Department to ensure all manufacturing equipment and material handling equipment are adequately maintained and available.
• Develop and manage the department budget, including monitoring expenses and recommending capital equipment purchases.
• Participate in facilities planning to ensure current and future capacity needs are met efficiently and effectively.
• Ensure conformance with all applicable local, state, and federal codes and regulations, and procure and maintain all required licenses, inspection certificates, and related documentation.
• Review and support insurance-related requirements as they pertain to plant operations and compliance.
• Provide leadership at the plant level in support of the Apprenticeship Program, ensuring the program functions properly and adheres to established guidelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to maintain a strong team atmosphere and drive high quality expectations in a medical device manufacturing environment.
• Support process optimization and cost reduction initiatives to improve operational performance and competitiveness.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, or a related field, with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, including at least 1 year supervising a staff and overseeing multiple functions in a manufacturing environment, OR a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience without a bachelor’s degree, including at least 2 years supervising a staff and overseeing multiple functions in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in operations management within a machining or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with precision machining and assembly of complex, critical components and processes.
• Experience working with ISO standards and/or FDA 21 CFR 820 requirements.
• Demonstrated experience leading and implementing LEAN manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
• Broad knowledge of machining practices and manufacturing processes, including CNC machining and related operations.
• Strong leadership skills, including coaching, team facilitation, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Experience utilizing structured problem-solving methods to address operational issues and drive sustainable improvements.
• Solid conflict management skills and the ability to handle performance and behavioral issues constructively.
• Experience optimizing processes and achieving ongoing cost reductions in a manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in scheduling, capacity planning, and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
• Experience in process engineering or process improvement within a manufacturing context.
• Ability to manage projects and coordinate resources to meet deadlines and performance targets.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in medical device manufacturing or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering with exposure to machining, manufacturing processes, and CNC machines.
• Familiarity with LEAN tools such as 5S, value stream mapping, standard work, and visual management.
• Experience with continuous improvement programs and culture-building around operational excellence.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, maintenance, quality, and other cross-functional teams.
• Ability to develop and support apprenticeship or training programs within a manufacturing environment.
• Comfort working with budgeting, capital planning, and financial metrics related to operations.
• Exposure to scheduling systems and production planning tools used in manufacturing environments.

This is a Permanent position based out of Big Lake, MN.

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $150000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Health & Insurance Benefits:- Medical plans = company contributes a generous portion of the premium cost.- Dental plan = employer‑supported.- Voluntary vision plan = low‑cost, employee‑elected.- Basic Life Insurance = 100% employer‑paid.- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) = 100% employer‑paid.- Short‑term disability = 100% employer‑paid.- Long‑term disability = 100% employer‑paid.- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) = 100% employer‑paid.Retirement & Savings:- Retirement contributions (details referenced in the summary, plan documents hold the specifics).Spending Accounts:- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)- Dependent Care FSA

This is a fully onsite position in Big Lake,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.