Operations Manager

Operations Manager About the Company We are a growing Wisconsin-based manufacturing and retail company with a passion for innovation, customer service, and operational excellence. Our team of approximately 25 employees is entrepreneurial, collaborative, and committed to building something exceptional. As we continue to scale, we are seeking an Operations Manager to serve as a key partner to ownership and help support the next phase of growth. Position Summary The Operations Manager serves as the owner's primary operational partner and trusted advisor. This individual will oversee people operations, organizational development, internal business operations, and key company initiatives while ensuring alignment across departments. This is not a traditional HR management role. The successful candidate will work closely with ownership to help drive execution, manage priorities, lead key meetings, represent the company with customers and partners, and support operational excellence throughout the organization. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable discussing workforce planning, operational strategy, customer relationships, financial performance, and organizational growth. This position follows a hybrid schedule with three days onsite and two days remote each week. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Business Partnership Serve as a trusted advisor and operational partner to the Owner/CEO. Help establish company priorities, goals, and operational objectives. Lead leadership meetings when ownership is unavailable. Drive accountability and execution across departments and initiatives. Assist with business planning, organizational development, and growth initiatives. Prepare and present reports, recommendations, and business updates to ownership. Operations Management Oversee day-to-day business operations to ensure efficiency and alignment with company objectives. Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, communication, and productivity. Coordinate cross-functional initiatives between manufacturing, retail, customer service, and administrative teams. Develop and monitor operational KPIs and performance metrics. Lead special projects and strategic initiatives from concept through implementation. People & Culture Leadership Develop and execute people strategies that support company growth and employee engagement. Oversee recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, and retention efforts. Build leadership capability throughout the organization through coaching and development. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and HR best practices. Customer & Stakeholder Relations Represent the company with key customers, vendors, strategic partners, and community stakeholders. Participate in client discussions and relationship management activities.Support business development initiatives and strategic partnerships. Serve as a professional ambassador for the company and its leadership team. Qualifications Required 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, business management, human resources, or related leadership roles. Demonstrated experience leading teams and driving organizational performance. Strong business acumen with the ability to balance people, operations, and financial considerations. Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. High level of professionalism, discretion, and judgment. Preferred Experience within manufacturing, retail, consumer products, automotive, or related industries. Experience serving as an Operations Manager, Director of Operations, General Manager, Office Manager, HR Manager, or similar leadership role. Background supporting founders, owners, or entrepreneurial leadership teams. Experience implementing operational systems, processes, and organizational structures during periods of growth. What Success Looks Like Within the first 12 months, this leader will: Establish themselves as a trusted partner to ownership. Improve organizational communication and cross-functional alignment. Strengthen recruiting, retention, and employee engagement efforts. Implement operational improvements that increase efficiency and accountability.Successfully represent the company with customers, partners, and key stakeholders. Create the infrastructure necessary to support continued growth. Compensation & Benefits Competitive compensation package including salary, performance incentives, and benefits commensurate with experience. Hybrid work schedule: Three days onsite and two days remote. #J-18808-Ljbffr SustainableHR