Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Duluth, MN

This role leads construction materials testing (CMT) operations in a Duluth, MN office, overseeing a team of field technicians and special inspectors. The Operations Supervisor ensures safe, high-quality, and efficient delivery of field testing and inspection services while supporting business objectives, client relationships, and continuous improvement of CMT practices.

• Lead a team of technicians and special inspectors performing field work, providing day-to-day direction, support, and oversight.
• Hire, supervise, mentor, and train staff to build a high-performing CMT team.
• Assist office leadership in developing and implementing CMT policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Work closely with the Business Unit Manager to set operational goals and business objectives for the CMT department.
• Take responsibility for safety, quality, and operational excellence across all assigned projects.
• Support the company safety policy by communicating and implementing safe work practices and conducting safety audits of field staff as needed.
• Monitor the CMT budget, projections, headcount, and backlog on an ongoing basis and recommend operational changes when necessary.
• Coordinate with the scheduler and other regional operations to share resources and effectively manage workloads.
• Conduct performance reviews on schedule to recognize achievements, address performance issues, and encourage professional growth.
• Prepare staff for promotional opportunities and increased responsibilities through coaching and development.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and performance of assigned personnel on a continuous basis and take corrective action when needed.
• Collaborate with consulting staff to prepare proposals that support CMT market and sales goals.
• Perform quality control reviews of testing and inspection work completed by assigned staff, identifying, investigating, and resolving internal and external quality issues on projects.
• Coordinate and communicate regularly with members of the consulting group regarding project progress, challenges, and resolutions.
• Perform routine to complex field testing and inspections as needed to support project delivery and team workloads.
• Manage field equipment and fleet vehicles, including planning, maintenance, utilization, and stewardship.
• Support and maintain strong client relationships to help achieve departmental market and sales strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the CMT operations.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in materials testing or construction.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff or leading field teams in an engineering, construction, or materials testing environment.
• Strong knowledge of construction materials testing practices and procedures.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, and schedules simultaneously.
• Ability to perform routine to complex field testing and inspections.
• Strong commitment to safety and experience implementing safe work practices in the field.
• Effective communication skills for coordinating with staff, leadership, and consulting teams.
• Ability to conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Relevant post-secondary degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management preferred but not required.
• Certifications such as ACI, ICC, and MnDOT are preferred.
• Experience in project management within engineering, construction, or materials testing environments.
• Ability to support proposal preparation and contribute to business development efforts.
• Strong organizational skills for managing resources, equipment, and fleet vehicles.

The Operations Supervisor works in a mixed office and field environment supporting construction materials testing operations in the Duluth, MN area. The role involves regular coordination with office leadership, consulting staff, schedulers, and regional operations teams, as well as frequent interaction with field technicians and special inspectors. Field work may include visits to active construction sites, exposure to varying weather conditions, and hands-on involvement in routine to complex field testing and inspections. The position requires regular use and oversight of field testing equipment and fleet vehicles, including ensuring proper maintenance and safe operation. Work hours generally align with standard business operations but may vary based on project schedules, field demands, and client needs.

This is a Permanent position based out of Duluth, MN.

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $110000.00/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.

Company BenefitsEligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:• Medical, dental & vision• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)• Short and long-term disability• Health Spending Account (HSA)• Transportation benefits• Employee Assistance Program• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Duluth,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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.

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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.

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