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Plant Operations Manager Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Support equipment installation, validation, and operational readiness activities; ensure plant ... Strong project management experience, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and ...

Our Operations Manager offers a team-oriented individual the opportunity to be responsible for the plant operational systems including acquisition of raw materials, product processing, quality ...

Lead all plant operations including production, maintenance, quality, and warehouse, supporting a team of approximately 30 employees to start * Build and lead a high-performing team while maintaining ...

Lead all plant operations including production, maintenance, quality, and warehouse, supporting a team of approximately 30 employees to start * Build and lead a high-performing team while maintaining ...

Lead all plant operations including production, maintenance, quality, and warehouse, supporting a team of approximately 30 employees to start * Build and lead a high-performing team while maintaining ...

We're seeking a Plant Performance Manager who's ready to be part of a company committed to ... As such, this position requires direct involvement in both plant operations and finance activities ...

Position Summary The Assistant Operations Manager drives continuous improvement and supports plant operations through cross-functional coordination. This role partners with Operations and Engineering ...

Position Summary The Assistant Operations Manager drives continuous improvement and supports plant operations through cross-functional coordination. This role partners with Operations and Engineering ...

Plant Manager

Kewaunee, WI · On-site

$103K - $177K/yr

Plant Manager R47782 The Plant Manager, Manufacturing Operations is responsible for fostering a People First culture while leading multiple functional areas within the Kewaunee Fabrications facility ...

Showing results 41-60

Plant Operations Manager information

See Wisconsin salary details

$30.3K

$107.8K

$174.6K

How much do plant operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant operations manager in Wisconsin is $107,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,300.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant operations manager?

To thrive as a Plant Operations Manager, you need strong leadership, operational management, and problem-solving skills, often backed by a degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with manufacturing ERP systems, lean manufacturing principles, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Exceptional communication, team-building, and decision-making abilities set outstanding managers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for optimizing production efficiency, ensuring safety compliance, and driving continuous improvement in plant operations.

What are some common challenges faced by plant operations managers, and how can they effectively address them?

Plant Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining production efficiency, ensuring equipment reliability, and managing diverse teams across multiple shifts. Balancing productivity with safety and regulatory compliance can be demanding, especially when unexpected machine breakdowns or supply chain disruptions occur. Effective managers address these challenges by implementing preventive maintenance schedules, fostering open communication among team members, and utilizing data-driven decision-making to optimize processes. Additionally, staying proactive about training and development helps the team adapt to new technologies and industry standards.

What is the difference between Plant Operations Manager vs Plant Supervisor?

AspectPlant Operations ManagerPlant Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire plant operations, manages teams, ensures safety and efficiencySupervises daily activities of plant workers, ensures production targets are met
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field; often has management experienceUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; experience in plant operations
Work EnvironmentOffice and plant floor, strategic planning, team managementPrimarily on the plant floor, direct supervision of staff

The Plant Operations Manager focuses on overall plant performance, strategic planning, and team leadership, while the Plant Supervisor handles daily supervision of workers and production tasks. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is a plant operations manager a high paying job?

A plant operations manager typically earns a competitive salary that varies based on industry, location, and experience. In general, it is considered a well-paying role within manufacturing, industrial, or production environments, often requiring leadership skills and knowledge of operations management tools. Salaries can range from moderate to high depending on the size and complexity of the facility.

Is a plant operations manager a stressful job?

A plant operations manager often faces stress due to managing production schedules, ensuring safety compliance, and meeting efficiency targets. The role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle unexpected issues in a fast-paced environment, which can contribute to job-related stress.

What does a plant operations manager do?

A plant operations manager oversees the daily functions of a manufacturing or processing plant, ensuring production efficiency, safety, and quality standards are met. They coordinate staff, manage budgets, implement procedures, and use tools like ERP systems to optimize operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operations jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Plant Operations jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Plant Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Plant Operations Manager job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Plant Operations Manager jobs in WI?

For Plant Operations Manager jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Plant Operations Manager job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,757 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Nelson Global rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company Overview:Nelson Global engineers, manufacturers, and distributes clean and efficient Air & Fluid Transfer, NVH, Complex Structural, Acoustic, and Thermal Management Solutions. Nelson Global partners with the world's leading OEMs. With 22 global manufacturing and distribution facilities and unparalleled engineering and innovation capabilities, Nelson Global provides mission-critical solutions with the highest degree of reliability at the lowest cost. Our dedication to serving our employees, partners, and the planet responsibly is realized across three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and governance. By empowering our people, reducing waste, and developing innovative and efficient systems, we support the communities and resources that spur the industries and technologies of the future.
Position Overview:The Operations Manager will lead the startup, launch, and ongoing operations of a satellite manufacturing facility in Madison, Wisconsin. This role is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and daily operations and oversees all aspects of plant operations, including production, welding, fabrication, painting, sandblasting, shipping and receiving, quality control, inventory management, workforce planning, safety, and facility maintenance. The Operations Manager serves as the senior leader on-site and is accountable for meeting production schedules, maintaining quality standards, controlling costs, developing employees, and ensuring a safe and productive work environment. This role works closely with corporate leadership, sales, engineering, procurement, and human resources to support company objectives and customer requirements.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong manufacturing operations background combined with exceptional project management skills to successfully coordinate the facility startup activities, equipment installation, workforce development, process implementation, and production ramp-up.
Primary Responsibilities & Duties:
  • Lead operational aspects of facility startup, commissioning, and production ramp-up
  • Monitor project progress and proactively address risks, delays, and resource constraints
  • Ensure all startup deliverables are completed safely, on time, and within budget
  • Manage day-to-day manufacturing operations to achieve production, quality, safety, and cost objectives
  • Manage all fabrication, welding, assembly, painting, sandblasting, and finishing operations
  • Monitor work-in-process and finished goods to ensure timely completion
  • Establish standard operating procedures, work instructions, and operational controls
  • Implement performance metrics and reporting systems to monitor operational effectiveness
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, quality, and waste reduction
  • Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining customer service expectations
  • Recruit, hire, train, and develop production supervisors, leads, and hourly employees
  • Establish a culture of accountability, teamwork, engagement, and continuous improvement
  • Provide coaching, performance management, and employee development opportunities
  • Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all company, OSHA, environmental, and regulatory requirements
  • Implement safety programs, training, and risk mitigation strategies
  • Support equipment installation, validation, and operational readiness activities; ensure plant equipment, tools, and facilities are properly maintained; coordinate preventive maintenance programs
  • Oversee inspection processes, quality documentation, and product tagging requirements
  • Investigate quality concerns and implement corrective actions
  • Oversee shipping, receiving, material handling, and inventory control activities
  • Ensure accurate inventory counts and proper material storage
  • Coordinate outbound shipments to meet customer delivery schedules
  • Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with purchasing to prevent shortages
  • Monitor labor, material, and operating costs
  • Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and performance standards
  • Support capital expenditure planning and justification for equipment and facility investments

Required Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field highly desired; equivalent experience in lieu of degree may be considered
  • 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
  • Strong project management experience, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and execution
  • Experience managing hourly manufacturing employees
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and operational excellence principles
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and leadership abilities
  • Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications

Preferred Experience:
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management training
  • Demonstrated experience leading plant startups, facility expansions, or significant operational launches
  • Experience in welding, fabrication, industrial coatings or metal products manufacturing
  • Experience implementing manufacturing systems, KPIs, and process controls in a startup environment
  • Understanding of production scheduling and capacity planning
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures
  • Ability to walk the production floor for extended periods of time

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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