Production Operations Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Description

Boerger is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the company’s manufacturing and supply chain functions. This position reports directly to the President and has broad responsibility for daily operations, team leadership, process improvement, capacity planning, budgeting, cost management, and continued operational growth. The Operations Manager will lead a team of approximately 20 employees, including shop‑floor supervisors and production employees, as well as office‑based support staff. This is a highly visible leadership position with significant autonomy and the ability to implement meaningful improvements.

• Lead daily production activities across assembly, testing, cutting, bending, machining, and welding.
• Oversee production scheduling, labor planning, capacity, workflow, and on‑time delivery.
• Lead and develop shop‑floor supervisors and support them in managing employee performance, staffing, priorities, and daily execution.
• Establish clear expectations and accountability for safety, quality, productivity, attendance, and performance.
• Support supervisors and employees through coaching, development, feedback, and problem resolution.
• Identify and implement improvements to production processes, layouts, equipment, material flow, and overall efficiency.
• Coordinate closely with Sales, Service, Engineering, Finance, and other departments.

• Maintain end‑to‑end responsibility for procurement and supply chain performance.
• Direct sourcing activities, supplier selection, negotiations, purchasing, and supplier relationship management.
• Oversee material planning, inventory availability, replenishment, and supplier performance.
• Lead domestic and international logistics, including inbound and outbound transportation.
• Ensure purchasing and logistics activities support production schedules, inventory requirements, and customer commitments.
• Improve lead times, cost control, supplier reliability, and overall supply chain performance.
• Lead and develop office‑based purchasing and logistics employees.

• Develop and manage operating budgets for production, procurement, supply chain, safety, and related functions.
• Monitor departmental spending, labor costs, material costs, freight, and other operating expenses.
• Review operational performance against budget and explain significant variances.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve productivity, control costs, and support profitability.
• Provide accurate operational input for forecasting, capital planning, and company financial reviews.
• Maintain accountability for the operational factors that influence the company’s P&L while partnering with the President and Finance team on overall financial performance.

• Oversee the company safety committee and related safety initiatives.
• Promote a strong and consistent safety culture throughout the organization.
• Ensure proper training, documentation, follow‑up, and corrective actions are completed.
• Support compliance with applicable workplace safety requirements.

• Oversee and support the employee responsible for day‑to‑day facilities coordination and maintenance activities.
• Ensure building, grounds, utilities, equipment, and workplace infrastructure are maintained in a safe and reliable condition.
• Coordinate facility needs with production, safety, IT, leadership, and external contractors.

• Support the expansion of Boerger’s local manufacturing capabilities.
• Participate in planning for future facility expansion and operational growth.
• Develop scalable processes, staffing structures, and leadership capabilities that support continued year‑over‑year growth.
• Take ownership of major operational initiatives from planning through implementation.
• The scope of this role may evolve to include industrial/manufacturing engineering or other technical operational functions as the organization grows.

The successful candidate will be a visible, hands‑on leader who is comfortable working directly with employees on the production floor while also contributing to broader company strategy.

• Lead, coach, and develop direct and indirect reports across manufacturing and supply chain functions.
• Support shop‑floor supervisors in becoming stronger and more independent leaders.
• Build trust and accountability across the team.
• Set clear expectations and follow through consistently.
• Balance daily operational demands with longer‑term improvement initiatives.
• Make sound decisions independently while keeping company leadership informed.
• Help develop the department’s future organizational structure as the company grows.

• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, engineering, supply chain, business, or a related field preferred.
• CPIM, CSCP, or a similar supply chain or operations certification is a plus.
• Leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading supervisors and managing through multiple levels of responsibility.
• Experience overseeing multiple manufacturing processes and production teams.
• Strong knowledge of production scheduling, purchasing, inventory, sourcing, and logistics.
• Experience with supplier selection, negotiations, and supplier performance management.
• Experience with budgeting, cost management, and operational financial analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems and operational process improvement.
• Strong communication, organizational, delegation, and people‑leadership skills.
• Experience with international logistics or global supply chains is preferred.
• Experience supporting facility expansion, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or capital‑equipment projects is beneficial.