Product Operations Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Operations Lead is responsible for supporting and driving achievement of Safety, Quality, Production, Setup, and Run Speed objectives across the operation. This role works closely with the Shift Operations Manager to ensure daily performance goals are met while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork.

The Operations Lead provides leadership, coaching, and technical support to Coater, Press, and Die Cutter Operators, Setup Technicians, and other members of the Heartland Operations Team. As the Assistant/Relief Operations Manager, this position serves as the primary backup for shift leadership, communications, and operational decision-making when the Operations Manager is unavailable.

80%
Partner with the Shift Operations Manager and production team to achieve the goals and performance metrics outlined in the Shift Operations Manager Scorecard, including safety, quality, productivity, and operational efficiency.

20%
Provide Operations Manager coverage during breaks, vacations, and absences, while supporting special projects, training initiatives, and other assigned responsibilities.

When label production equipment is open, the Shift Operations Manager and Operations Lead will determine staffing priorities to ensure production needs are met.

• Open equipment positions will be filled before assigning employees to non-operator duties.
• Press Assistants and Setup Technicians may be assigned to operate equipment as needed until all equipment is staffed or all available personnel are actively running equipment.
• At any time when equipment remains unstaffed, no more than two employees may be assigned to non-operator positions.

• Demonstrate and promote the company's Core Values in all interactions and decisions.
• Coach, mentor, and train team members to improve safety, quality, productivity, and workplace culture.
• Serve as a resource for technical expertise, problem-solving, and troubleshooting throughout the operation.
• Support employee accountability and performance expectations through effective communication and leadership.

• Maintain awareness of real-time shop floor performance and operational priorities.
• Monitor team performance against established production, quality, and efficiency targets.
• Understand and utilize production metrics to drive continuous improvement and operational results.
• Assist with shift communications, reporting, timekeeping, and other administrative responsibilities.
• Perform leadership functions, including corrective action administration, when covering for the Operations Manager.

• Serve as the first point of contact for safety, quality, and productivity issues on the production floor.
• Support and participate in 5S initiatives, audits, and continuous improvement activities.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, quality standards, and operational best practices.
• Inspect printed products to verify print quality, color accuracy, specification compliance, and defect-free output.

• Review job orders and production requirements, including quantities, stock specifications, color sequences, production timelines, and anilox BCM requirements.
• Set up and operate equipment by selecting and installing printing plates, dies, rollers, cylinders, gauges, and related tooling.
• Monitor press operations, material feeding, print quality, and machine performance, making adjustments as necessary to optimize production.
• Manage ink preparation, mixing, storage, and maintenance according to material and job specifications.
• Support packaging, labeling, and handling of completed products.

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

This position requires strong leadership, technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to drive results while maintaining a safe, productive, and quality-focused work environment.

Competencies

• Accountability: The extent to which an individual is willing to accept responsibility.
• Adaptability: The extent to which an individual can fit into a changing work environment.
• Communication, Oral & Written: The extent to which an individual communicates with clarity, actively engaging in conversations in order to clearly understand others’ message and intent, and received and processes feedback.
• Coaching and Development: The ability to provide guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem.
• Leadership: How well the individual motivates and guides others to ensure performance in accordance with clear expectations and goals.
• Problem Solving: The ability to recognize courses of action which can be taken to handle problems or potential problems.
• Safety Awareness: The ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.

Required Experience:

• One to Five years previous flexographic printing experience

Preferred Experience:

• One to Five years previous coating experience

Preferred Skills, Education and/or Certification:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Technical Certification or Associates Degree in printing processes.

Pre-employment requires: drug screen, background check, and clear MVREqual Opportunity Employer - This employer participates in E-Verify