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
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement