Sr. Operations Analyst

Turn Data Into Decisions. Drive the Future of Manufacturing.

At Windings, Inc., we're not looking for someone to simply build reports. We're looking for someone who can see patterns before others do, turn operational complexity into clarity, and help shape the future of a growing manufacturing organization.

This is a high-impact role that sits at the center of Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance. You'll partner directly with executive leadership to transform raw operational data into actionable business intelligence that drives smarter decisions, stronger margins, and scalable growth.

If you thrive in fast-paced environments, love solving operational puzzles, and get excited about dashboards, predictive analytics, and continuous improvement — this role was built for you.

This position can sit in either our Eden Prairie, MN location or at our main facility in New Ulm, MN.

What You'll Do

Build the Story Behind the Numbers

• Create executive-level dashboards and automated reporting tools using platforms like Power BI or Tableau
• Develop visualizations that provide insight into operational performance across Quality, Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain
• Deliver real-time visibility into KPIs, trends, bottlenecks, and business performance

Influence Strategic Decisions

• Analyze sales orders, manufacturing cycles, inventory, throughput, and margin trends
• Support SIOP/S&OP planning and operational forecasting
• Identify opportunities for margin expansion, working capital improvement, and operational efficiency
• Help leadership prioritize long-range investments and growth initiatives

Drive Cross-Functional Impact

• Engineering – uncover cost reduction opportunities through product and process analysis
• Operations – optimize scheduling, capacity planning, and production flow across sites
• Quality – analyze nonconformance trends and Cost of Quality (CoQ) drivers
• Supply Chain – improve inventory turns and support supply continuity strategies

Support Continuous Improvement

• Provide visibility into safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance
• Help drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Use EOS/Traction methodologies to support accountability and execution

What Makes This Role Exciting

• Direct exposure to executive leadership
• High visibility and strategic influence
• Opportunity to shape systems, dashboards, and reporting from the ground up
• Work that directly impacts growth, profitability, and operational performance
• A dynamic manufacturing environment where no two days look the same

Requirements

What You Bring

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Analytics, Engineering, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5–7 years of analytical experience within manufacturing operations
• Experience building KPI frameworks, dashboards, and executive reporting tools
• Strong understanding of manufacturing data, costing, throughput, and operational metrics

Technical Skills

• Power BI, Tableau, or other visualization tools
• Advanced Excel and Power Query skills
• SQL and data modeling experience
• ERP/MRP system experience

Bonus Points If You Have Experience With

• Engineer-to-Order (ETO) manufacturing
• SIOP/S&OP processes
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies
• Multi-site or global manufacturing operations

Success in This Role Looks Like

• On-Time Delivery performance
• Capacity vs. demand planning
• Inventory turns and working capital improvements
• Margin expansion opportunities
• Cost of Quality (CoQ)
• Safety performance and TRIR trends
• New Product Introduction (NPI) cycle time
• Program financial performance

Why Join Us?

At Windings, Inc., employees don't just work here — they own part of the company's success. As an employee-owned organization, every improvement, innovation, and win contributes to a stronger future for all of us.

We're growing, evolving, and investing in the future. If you're ready to use analytics to make a real operational impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Salary Description

$85,000 - $105,000- annual DOQ

We are committed to providing pay ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations. The listed pay range is provided in good faith and is subject to adjustments in accordance with company policies and market conditions.

This position is eligible to participate in a performance-based bonus program based on company performance goals. Bonus payouts are not guaranteed and are determined at the company's discretion.

Physical Requirements:

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; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. Specific vision ability by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Other Requirements:

Because employees in this position must handle information covered by the International Trade and Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), successful applicants will be: (1) required to verify their identity and their status as a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or person granted refugee or asylee status (or equivalent) in the U.S.; OR (2) undergo additional steps, including but not limited to licensure from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and/or the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Windings is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected Veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

No Soliciting:

Windings will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to Windings job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Windings Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Windings Talent Acquisition team.