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Wausau, Wisconsin, United States
Onsite
Position Summary
The Sr. Operational Excellence and Engineering Manager leads the deployment and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across manufacturing operations. This role is accountable for driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost by applying disciplined problem solving, standard work, and engineering-based solutions. Additionally, this role has greater responsibility to drive standardization and alignment across multiple sites for one or more of the following, Capital Spend and Budget Management, Strategic Business Infrastructure Project Management, Manufacturing Process Consistency, or Facilitation and Implementation of Continuous Improvement Initiatives.
The role partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and HR to identify performance gaps, prioritize improvement work, and embed AMS principles into daily operations. In addition, the position provides technical leadership for manufacturing engineering, ensuring ownership and continuous improvement of core manufacturing systems and capabilities.
Success in this role requires strong leadership presence, clear prioritization, and a hands-on approach to execution. The Operational Excellence and Engineering Manager builds credibility with manufacturing leaders, supports effective change adoption, and delivers sustained operational results.
Key Responsibilities
· Lead the deployment and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across assigned manufacturing sites
· Coach and develop supervisors, engineers, and operators in continuous improvement behaviors, standard work, and problem-solving discipline
· Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, throughput, scrap reduction, and cost through structured improvement initiatives
· Partner with plant leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute improvement work aligned with business goals and operational metrics
· Facilitate and apply operational excellence methods (e.g., Kaizen, value stream mapping, standard work, visual management) to embed continuous improvement into daily operations
· Apply structured problem-solving approaches (A3, PDCA, DMAIC, root cause analysis) to resolve operational issues and prevent recurrence
· Analyze production, quality, and labor data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities
· Lead change adoption efforts to ensure improvements are implemented consistently and sustained across departments and shifts
· Track, communicate, and report results of improvement initiatives, including performance gains and cost savings
· Provide multi-site ownership of Capital Spending Management, Strategic Business Infrastructure Project Management, Manufacturing Process Consistency, or Facilitation and Implementation of Continuous Improvement Initiatives as directed.
Engineering & Technical Leadership
· Provide technical ownership and governance of paint, anodize, thermal, and extrusion processes, standards, and best practices
· Provide technical expertise in order to support problem solving, develop new products, and developing standards for supporting the implementation of automation systems
· Lead process capability, yield, scrap, and throughput improvements across these technologies
· Support new product introductions, equipment selection, and capital projects related to paint, anodize, thermal, and extrusion operations
· Previous experience and participation within AAC (Aluminum Anodizers Council), NASF (National Association for Surface Finishing), or IFCA (Industrial Finishing & Coating Association) is preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Core Skills
Ability to influence without authority and work effectively across all levels of the organization
Strong analytical capability with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable improvements
Effective communication, facilitation, and coaching skills to drive understanding and adoption
Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work across operations, engineering, and support functions
Proficiency with standard productivity and data tools (e.g., Excel, BI tools, manufacturing systems)
Strong Project Management skills, including project planning, structured cadence, risk mitigation, action management, scope clarity, and deadline management
Leadership Attributes
Results-oriented with a strong sense of accountability for outcomes
Organized and able to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously
Adaptable and effective in a changing, fast-paced manufacturing environment
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development
Education and Experience
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field
Experience
Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment, with demonstrated impact on operational performance
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Anodize, Paint, or coating manufacturing
Owns a capability across the segment
Leads portfolios and multi-year transformational roadmaps.
Influences plant and functional leaders
Owns business cases, investment decisions, and benefits realization
Establishes governance and common standards
Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence frameworks, applied in real operating environments
Experience leading Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement efforts from identification through sustained results
Work Environment/Travel Requirements
· Frequent exposure to manufacturing environment
· Overnight travel will vary based on projects and business needs and is expected to average up to 10%, including approximately one week per quarter and occasional additional travel for corporate meetings or training.
· Physical Requirements
o Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
o Lift up to 10 lbs.
Our Benefits
We care about and invest in our employees. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being and foster professional development. Here is a glimpse of what you can look forward to if you join our team.
Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)
Incentive Plans
401(k) with employer contribution and match
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match
Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)
Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Wellness Program
Training and Career Progression
Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
