Operations Associate Jobs in Cottage Grove, WI (NOW HIRING)

Description

 The Operations Manager directs the daily operations of the assigned Value Stream(s) or operations to provide adequate resources, on-going work direction and problem solving to ensure business goals are met under the guidelines of the company policies and procedures. In this role, the Operations Manager will be a change agent and drive out waste throughout the manufacturing operation through the deployment of Lean methodologies and will develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead and manage all manufacturing, warehouse, shipping and receiving departments 
• Set goals and establish metrics for the departments 
• Manage department with zero recordable injuries 
• Manage quality systems and responsible for all out of box quality within these departments 
• Strive for an OTD of 90 % or better through scheduling and execution 
• Manage productivity levels with the departments 
• Supports site lean initiatives; helps ensure that lean enterprise-driven activities support and further the strategic goals of the business
• Continuously improve productivity, flow, Kanban, changeovers, predictive maintenance etc. through the implementation of Lean principles 
• Decrease scrap levels and identify all forms of waste for elimination 
• Audit processes are developed and implemented to ensure defined processes are effective and maintained.
• Current on contemporary systems and automated techniques and uses such tools to optimize the tracking and flow of materials and information.
• Train staff on safety standards and company policies and regularly emphasize safety and maintain accident/incident free records.
• Provides direction and leadership to the scheduling and inventory control department; manages resources to support schedules, priorities and customers.
• Manage the warehouse activities, including the cycle count process, material storage and cross building deliveries

Establish stretch goals/metrics for the value stream - define success.

• Actively participate in and lead self-directed Kaizen events 
• Lead/support the development of current and future state value stream maps and continuous improvement plans, as well as the implementation of those plans across the value stream. 
• Be highly visible to associates and promote hands-on, high involvement approaches to problem solving 
• Support new product development by driving the operations requirements
• Review/Ensure success of the day-to-day production activities within the value stream while driving improvements.
• Assure a clean and safe working environment for all employees, emphasizing prevention of potential problems and hazardous conditions, and support the production safety programs. 
• Lead/support cross functional performance Gemba and drive improvements. 
• Drive cross-functional execution and track daily performance using process center communication boards daily ensuring root cause analysis and counter measures are identified. 
• Conduct safety investigations as needed 
• Perform 5S audits/safety training 
• Responsible for developing and monitoring standard work and quality standards 
• Perform layered process audits and quality audits 
• Conduct OTD analysis and update sales order advisory 

Manage resources of the assigned areas of the value stream.

• Manage assigned resources to or below budgetary levels
• Ensure accuracy and proper management of inventory and build schedules 
• Ensure timely disposition of scrap and non-conforming materials 
• Execute, manage and coordinate department's vacation schedule to ensure adequate coverage and completion of departments work products throughout the year
• Provide input and make recommendations for requisitioning, placing, and training of employees assigned to designated production area. 

Develop and deliver complete, fair, accurate and meaningful employee performance reviews

• Responsible for assigned team's adherence to company policies and procedure. 
• Award and discipline as appropriate
• Develop talent via training and career direction discussions. 
• Find opportunities for leaders' growth.
• Ensure cross training of employees is conducted for development and skills matrix is updated
• Manage timely screening and hiring of new production employees and direct reports.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Lean manufacturing concepts experience (layouts, material, performance to Takt, etc.) 
• Scheduling and planning concepts experience including material distribution (stockroom, finished goods inventory, shipping, and receiving)
• Must have strong computer skills, be organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to lead and coordinate multi-functional team projects.
• Ability to develop leaders.
• Must be self-motivated and possess excellent multi-tasking abilities.

Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken. Must be able to positively motivate employees to drive change.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have proficient personal computer skills, including knowledge of routine database activity, Microsoft Outlook E-mail software, Internet software, Microsoft PowerPoint presentation software, Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet software and Microsoft Word Processing software. ERP /data analytics experience is strongly preferred.  

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representatives of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Education and/or Experience:                   

Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from four-year college or university in Business or Engineering field is preferred.

8+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.