Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Wisconsin

Location: Germantown, WI
Company: General ThermoDynamics, an API Heat Transfer Company
Employment Type: Full-Time

General ThermoDynamics (GTD), an API Heat Transfer Company, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations at our new Germantown, Wisconsin facility. This leadership role is responsible for driving safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and employee engagement while supporting the successful growth and operational excellence of the facility.

The Operations Manager will provide strategic and tactical leadership across production, planning, continuous improvement, and workforce development initiatives. This individual will partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Executive Leadership to achieve operational objectives and support long-term business growth.

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to achieve production, quality, safety, and delivery goals.
• Develop and execute operational plans that support company objectives and customer requirements.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to productivity, efficiency, quality, scrap, throughput, labor utilization, and on-time delivery.
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and reduce waste.
• Manage production staffing levels, workforce planning, and employee development initiatives.
• Coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and team leads to build leadership capability throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Customer Service to resolve production challenges and improve operational performance.
• Participate in capital planning, equipment investments, capacity analysis, and facility expansion initiatives.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and safety regulations.
• Develop and maintain production schedules aligned with customer demand and business objectives.
• Lead problem-solving efforts related to production constraints, quality concerns, and operational bottlenecks.
• Manage departmental budgets and support cost reduction initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing Management, Business, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience managing supervisors and production teams.
• Proven success leading manufacturing operations in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, labor management, process improvement, and operational metrics.
• Demonstrated experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Excellent communication, leadership, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.

• Experience in heat exchanger, metal fabrication, welding, industrial equipment, or engineered-to-order manufacturing environments.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certification.
• Experience supporting multi-shift operations.
• Knowledge of capacity planning, operational scaling, and facility startup activities.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong servant leadership
• Strategic and operational thinking
• Accountability and ownership
• Employee development and coaching
• Change management capability
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Data-driven decision making
• Customer-focused mindset

At General ThermoDynamics, we design and manufacture industry-leading heat transfer solutions used throughout critical industrial and commercial applications. As part of API Heat Transfer, we are committed to innovation, operational excellence, employee development, and delivering value to our customers.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role in the growth and success of our new Germantown operation while helping shape the culture, performance, and future of the facility.

• Competitive salary
• Annual incentive opportunity
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Opportunities