Materials Operations Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI

Operations Manager

Reports To:

Director of Procurement and Production

Why join us?

• 4-Day Work Week
• 3 Weeks' Vacation Starting Day 1

• 8 Paid Holidays
• Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits and Supplemental Insurance
• HSA with eligible medical plan
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Company Paid Life Insurance/Short Term Disability

Position Summary:

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing daily operations to support organizational growth, profitability, and operational excellence. This role oversees production scheduling, resource allocation, logistics coordination, and process improvement initiatives to ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Working closely with the Director of Procurement and Production, Production Manager, vendors, customers, and shop personnel, the Operations Manager develops and implements strategic initiatives that improve productivity, enhance workflow efficiency, and support long-term business objectives. The position is responsible for monitoring key performance indicators, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, and driving operational performance across all departments.

In addition, the Operations Manager fosters strong relationships with employees by providing leadership, coaching, and professional development opportunities while promoting a culture of accountability, teamwork, and safety. This role establishes clear performance expectations, holds team members accountable for results, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to resolve challenges, improve communication, and ensure alignment with company goals. Through effective planning, workforce management, and operational oversight, the Operations Manager plays a critical role in delivering exceptional customer service, maintaining quality standards, and supporting sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations & Workforce Management

• Develop and implement operational processes that improve consistency, accountability, and communication across departments.
• Enforce company safety policies, conduct standards, and operational procedures.
• Maintain constant communication with management, production supervisors, and employees regarding project status, scheduling, and operational needs.
• Ensure all vehicles, trailers, equipment, and job-related documentation are clean, organized, maintained, and compliant.
• Serve as backup support for the Director of Procurement and Production, Production Manager, and Maintenance during vacations, emergencies or operational disruptions.
• Maintain organized paper and digital records, reports, and operational files.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, communication, and respect.
• Develop standard operating procedures and training processes for operational staff.
• Supervise department employees and field personnel.
• Establish clear performance expectations and hold employees accountable for productivity, quality, safety, attendance, and workplace conduct.
  Conduct performance evaluations and implement corrective action plans when necessary.
• Conduct interviews and assist with hiring for production positions.
• Provide coaching, development, training, and performance management for employees.
• Maintain positive employee relations and resolve workplace issues in coordination with Human Resources.

Production, Warehouse & Process Optimization

• Lead initiatives to improve production flow, throughput, and operational efficiency throughout the organization
• Develop and manage production schedules to ensure labor, equipment, materials, and project timelines are aligned with operational priorities and customer commitments.
  Coordinate scheduling adjustments based on project demands, staffing levels, and material availability.
• Optimize warehouse layouts, storage utilization, and material flow to maximize available space and improve accessibility
• Improve staging, loading, and shipping areas to support efficient job preparation, inventory management, and transportation logistics
• Coordinate operational workflow between warehouse, production, and field teams to ensure smooth execution of projects and deliveries
• Implement and maintain quality control procedures and operational checkpoints throughout production and logistics processes
• Evaluate operational bottlenecks and recommend process improvements to increase productivity and reduce waste

Inventory & Asset Management

• Monitor inventory levels and respond proactively to equipment and material purchasing opportunities and needs.
• Develop, implement, and maintain inventory control procedures to improve inventory visibility, accuracy, and accountability across the organization
• Evaluate and lead the implementation of barcode/scanning technology and tracking systems to streamline inventory management, reduce discrepancies, improve reporting, and support real-time inventory tracking
• Follow up with contacts and customers to ensure satisfaction and professionalism throughout the process.

Logistics & Shipping

• Assist the shipping department with arranging cost-effective shipping and transportation for incoming and outgoing freight.
• Oversee loading and unloading procedures to ensure equipment is handled safely and properly.
• Assist in optimizing freight scheduling, staging processes, and shipment coordination to improve efficiency and reduce delays

Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure compliance with all workplace safety policies and procedures.
• Monitor cleanliness, organization, safety, and security of shops, warehouses, yards, and job sites.
• Continually identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce costs, and streamline operations.
• Prepare and submit operational reports and weekly summaries in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in operations management, production management, logistics, warehouse management, industrial operations, or a related leadership role preferred
• Experience leading teams, developing employees, and driving organizational accountability.
  Experience implementing process improvements, operational systems, or inventory management programs preferred.
• Experience coordinating crews, vendors, freight, and project logistics.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of material procurement, equipment purchasing, auctions, salvage, or industrial asset recovery is a plus.
• Proficient with computer systems, recordkeeping, and operational reporting.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position will supervise others.

Other Duties:

Barr Inc. is a diversified family-owned business that includes B2B Commercial Refrigeration, Commercial Racking, Storage, and Luxury Apartments. While this role will focus on the Commercial Refrigeration division, this role may involve projects from the other business divisions with duties as assigned.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time or without notice.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position. Work will be performed Monday through Thursday, 6:30 am to 4:30 pm 40 hours per week.

For information on Barr, Inc., please visithttps://www.barrinc.com/.

Barr, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.