Plant Operations Manager

Company 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 Plant 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-up
• Monitor project progress and proactively address risks, delays, and resource constraints
• Ensure all startup deliverables are completed safely, on time, and within budget
• Manage day-to-day manufacturing operations to achieve production, quality, safety, and cost objectives
• Manage all fabrication, welding, assembly, painting, sandblasting, and finishing operations
• Monitor work-in-process and finished goods to ensure timely completion
• Establish standard operating procedures, work instructions, and operational controls
• Implement performance metrics and reporting systems to monitor operational effectiveness
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, quality, and waste reduction
• Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining customer service expectations
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop production supervisors, leads, and hourly employees
• Establish a culture of accountability, teamwork, engagement, and continuous improvement
• Provide coaching, performance management, and employee development opportunities
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all company, OSHA, environmental, and regulatory requirements
• Implement safety programs, training, and risk mitigation strategies
• Support equipment installation, validation, and operational readiness activities; ensure plant equipment, tools, and facilities are properly maintained; coordinate preventive maintenance programs
• Oversee inspection processes, quality documentation, and product tagging requirements
• Investigate quality concerns and implement corrective actions
• Oversee shipping, receiving, material handling, and inventory control activities
• Ensure accurate inventory counts and proper material storage
• Coordinate outbound shipments to meet customer delivery schedules
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with purchasing to prevent shortages
• Monitor labor, material, and operating costs
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and performance standards
• Support capital expenditure planning and justification for equipment and facility investments

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field highly desired; equivalent experience in lieu of degree may be considered
• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
• Strong project management experience, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and execution
• Experience managing hourly manufacturing employees
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and operational excellence principles
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications

Preferred Experience:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management training
• Demonstrated experience leading plant startups, facility expansions, or significant operational launches
• Experience in welding, fabrication, industrial coatings or metal products manufacturing
• Experience implementing manufacturing systems, KPIs, and process controls in a startup environment
• Understanding of production scheduling and capacity planning
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures
• Ability to walk the production floor for extended periods of time

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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