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Manufacturing Manager Jobs in Brainerd, MN (NOW HIRING)

Brainerd Lakes Economic Development Corporation

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General Manager-- Manufacturing

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

The General Manager serves as the senior operational leader for our manufacturing site. This role is responsible for delivering safe, high‐quality, on‐time, and cost‐effective operations while ...

Lexington Manufacturing LLC

General Manager

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Lexington Manufacturing, LLC is seeking a proven operations leader to join our organization as General Manager, guiding our high-performance manufacturing team as we deliver component solutions to ...

Elemet Group

Quality Manager

Aitkin, MN · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to join our team at Elemet Manufacturing. The Quality Manager is responsible for overseeing the Quality Management System (QMS) within the business unit ...

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Manufacturing Manager information

See Brainerd, MN salary details

$38.6K

$97.1K

$145.3K

How much do manufacturing manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing manager in Brainerd, MN is $97,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,800.00 and $115,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a manufacturing manager do?

A Manufacturing Manager oversees the production process in a manufacturing facility to ensure that products are made efficiently, on time, and meet quality standards. They are responsible for planning and organizing production schedules, managing staff, coordinating maintenance, and implementing safety protocols. Manufacturing Managers also work to optimize processes, reduce costs, and resolve any issues that may arise during production.

What does a manufacturing manager do?

The job duties of a manufacturing manager include working to oversee the production process for a company in a manufacturing facility. Your responsibilities may involve managing the use of equipment and employee operations. You may be in charge of a single department or oversee the entire operation in a production plant. You are typically responsible for setting up the equipment, managing the workflow for a production project, and ensuring efficiency during the process. You are also responsible for supervising staff and delegating to production floor managers when necessary.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manufacturing manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Manager, you need strong leadership abilities, a background in engineering or manufacturing, and experience with production planning and quality control, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with ERP systems, Lean Manufacturing principles, and Six Sigma certification are highly valued in this role. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and team-building skills help drive productivity and foster a positive work environment. These competencies ensure efficient production processes, high-quality output, and the achievement of business objectives in a competitive manufacturing landscape.

What are common challenges a manufacturing manager faces when implementing process improvements?

Manufacturing Managers often encounter resistance to change from team members who are accustomed to established processes. Additionally, balancing production targets with the need to test and refine new procedures can be challenging. Clear communication, thorough training, and involving staff in problem-solving can help overcome these obstacles and lead to successful implementation of improvements. Managers also need to ensure minimal disruption to quality and output during transitions.

How much do manufacturing managers make?

Manufacturing managers in California typically earn an average annual salary of around $120,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $80,000 to over $160,000 depending on experience, industry, and company size. Compensation often includes benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans, and the role requires strong leadership, technical knowledge, and operational skills.
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What cities near Brainerd, MN are hiring for Manufacturing Manager jobs?

Cities near Brainerd, MN with the most Manufacturing Manager job openings:

Manufacturing Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Manager job openings in Brainerd, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,057 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

General Manager-- Manufacturing

Brainerd, MN • On-site

Brainerd Lakes Economic Development Corporation
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Brainerd Lakes Economic Development Corporationexternal

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

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Job description

The position is located in Brainerd, MN. No remote work option is available must be on site.


The General Manager serves as the senior operational leader for our manufacturing site. This role is responsible for delivering safe, high‐quality, on‐time, and cost‐effective operations while building a culture rooted in Mission, Vision, and Core Values. The GM translates strategy into execution, drives operational performance, develops leaders, and ensures strong cross‐functional alignment across all departments. 

Core Responsibilities 

  • Provide clear leadership, communication, and strategic direction for all plant functions. 
  • Translate company strategy into executable plans with measurable targets. 
  •  Anticipate site needs and lead long‐range planning for people, equipment, and capacity. 
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement. 
  • Ensure strong performance in safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost. 
  •  Optimize workforce planning, equipment utilization, material flow, and facility layout. 
  • Own the plant’s P&L and partner on budgets, forecasting, and financial performance. 
  • Lead, mentor, and develop departmental managers and emerging leaders. 
  • Promote a culture focused on safety, teamwork, learning, and recognition. 
  • Build strong partnerships with Engineering, Quality, HR, Safety, Finance, and IT. 
  • Lead continuous improvement efforts including A3s, 5 Why, Kaizen, and PDCA. 

Success Profile 

Knowledge – Manufacturing processes, workflows, plant performance metrics; strong financial and business acumen. 

Competencies – Strategy execution, decision‐making, collaboration, emotional intelligence, accountability. 

Experience – Leading operations in manufacturing, cross‐functional leadership, talent development. 

Personal Attributes – Resilient, collaborative, motivating, accountable. 

Job Requirements 

Must‐Have: 

  •  Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, Business, or related field 
  • 7–10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience 
  • Strong financial acumen and P&L ownership experience 
  • Proven success leading plant operations and teams 
  •  Proficiency with ERP systems 

Nice‐to‐Have: 

  • Master’s degree (MBA or related) 
  • Plant Manager or senior operations leadership experience 

LEAN/CI certification or equivalent experience

Company Description

Brainerd Lakes Economic Development Corporation is helping to hire this position for a member company. We work with companies in our area to help them expand and grow in MN.