Cooperidge Consulting Firm is seeking a Plant Operations Leader (Operations Manager) for a premier manufacturing organization in Shakopee, MN.
This is a comprehensive leadership role responsible for the end-to-end performance of a 24/7 high-volume production facility. We are looking for a seasoned professional who can balance technical engineering oversight with a culture-first approach to talent development. Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will lead a multidisciplinary team of 20–30 salaried employees, driving a rigorous "Zero Harm" safety culture while optimizing productivity and quality metrics. This is an ideal seat for a "boots-on-the-ground" leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to continuous improvement.
Job Responsibilities
24/7 Operational Oversight: Direct all daily plant operations, including production, quality, engineering, materials, and support teams to ensure maximum uptime.
Strategic Alignment: Translate broader business goals into actionable plant objectives, focusing on cost-efficiency, waste reduction, and output targets.
Culture & Accountability: Establish a high-performance culture built on trust and ownership, utilizing clear KPIs and data-driven performance metrics.
Talent Development: Provide hands-on leadership in employee relations; lead coaching, mentoring, and training initiatives for both salaried staff and shop-floor personnel.
Regulatory & Safety Compliance: Ensure the facility meets 100% of all OSHA, environmental, and technical regulatory standards.
Process Optimization: Lead change management and process improvement initiatives (Lean/Six Sigma) to eliminate bottlenecks and optimize material flow.
Stakeholder Coordination: Manage relationships with strategic partners, vendors, and suppliers to ensure supply chain stability and quality of raw materials.
Emergency Response: Maintain 24/7 availability, including holidays, to serve as the ultimate decision-maker during critical plant events or outages.
Requirements
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field is REQUIRED.
Experience
Minimum of seven (7) or more years of progressive manufacturing experience.
Leadership: Minimum of five (5) years in an operations leadership role with direct P&L or metric-level accountability.
Proven track record in Change Management and Operational Optimization within a 24/7 facility.
Skills & Competencies
Communication: Ability to engage effectively across all levels—from frontline operators to executive leadership.
Problem Solving: Advanced organizational and analytical skills to resolve complex operational challenges.
Safety Mindset: A demonstrated, unwavering commitment to workplace safety and quality compliance.
Benefits
Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans
Life insurance coverage
401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions
Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays