Plant Operations Manager

Operations ManagerCompany 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 Oshkosh, 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-upMonitor project progress and proactively address risks, delays, and resource constraintsEnsure all startup deliverables are completed safely, on time, and within budgetManage day-to-day manufacturing operations to achieve production, quality, safety, and cost objectivesManage all fabrication, welding, assembly, painting, sandblasting, and finishing operationsMonitor work-in-process and finished goods to ensure timely completionEstablish standard operating procedures, work instructions, and operational controlsImplement performance metrics and reporting systems to monitor operational effectivenessDrive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, quality, and waste reductionEnsure production schedules are met while maintaining customer service expectationsRecruit, hire, train, and develop production supervisors, leads, and hourly employeesEstablish a culture of accountability, teamwork, engagement, and continuous improvementProvide coaching, performance management, and employee development opportunitiesPromote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all company, OSHA, environmental, and regulatory requirementsImplement safety programs, training, and risk mitigation strategiesSupport equipment installation, validation, and operational readiness activities; ensure plant equipment, tools, and facilities are properly maintained; coordinate preventive maintenance programsOversee inspection processes, quality documentation, and product tagging requirementsInvestigate quality concerns and implement corrective actionsOversee shipping, receiving, material handling, and inventory control activitiesEnsure accurate inventory counts and proper material storageCoordinate outbound shipments to meet customer delivery schedulesMonitor inventory levels and collaborate with purchasing to prevent shortagesMonitor labor, material, and operating costsIdentify and implement cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and performance standardsSupport capital expenditure planning and justification for equipment and facility investmentsRequired Education & Experience:Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field highly desired; equivalent experience in lieu of degree may be considered5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experienceStrong project management experience, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and executionExperience managing hourly manufacturing employeesKnowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and operational excellence principlesStrong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skillsExcellent communication and leadership abilitiesProficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applicationsPreferred Experience:Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management trainingDemonstrated experience leading plant startups, facility expansions, or significant operational launchesExperience in welding, fabrication, industrial coatings or metal products manufacturingExperience implementing manufacturing systems, KPIs, and process controls in a startup environmentUnderstanding of production scheduling and capacity planningExperience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologiesPhysical Requirements:Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying temperaturesAbility to walk the production floor for extended periods of timeEqual 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. Nelson Global