Essential Functions

• Must care about people, valuing staff as the greatest assets of Wenger.
• Responsible for leading by example and adhering to and/or enforcing all Wenger operating policies and practices.
• Safety/Environmental – Must have a proven fluency in understanding how to develop and sustain best practices in safety. This includes a Safety-First bias with a strong focus on accident prevention.
• Risk Mitigation – Assesses present and future needs, trends, problems, and conditions within Manufacturing that could harm employees, threaten the supply chain, reduce productivity, and/or impact quality and profitability.
• Leads the development and execution of business plans, operating policies, budgets, and strategic initiatives that support the Company's overall objectives. Establishes and monitors short- and long-term operational and financial goals aligned with Business Plan Objectives (BPOs), ensuring success is measured through meaningful KPIs and achievement of budget, productivity, quality, and cost performance targets.
• Drives productivity improvements through regular Kaizen activities and other Lean practices that are evaluated, established, and sustained over time.
• Supports Quality Assurance and Zero Defects initiatives through KPI-driven objectives. Implements corrective action methodologies such as 5 Why Analysis, Fishbone Diagrams, A3 Problem Solving, and similar continuous improvement tools.
• Ensures approved policies and objectives are clearly understood and effectively applied.
• Reviews and appraises manufacturing activities and performance results. Recommends and supports corrective actions as necessary.
• Reviews and evaluates contracts, appropriations, and expenditure requests.
• Develops and trains managers and leaders within the Company and reviews performance.
• Works in conjunction with Human Resources to develop training plans that enhance employee performance.
• Recommends compensation changes for key personnel in accordance with Company policy and assists in ensuring organizational structures are appropriately staffed.
• May support acquisition, merger, facility expansion, or greenfield projects, including evaluation and utilization of physical assets and facilities.
• Ensures policies, procedures, training, and implementation practices are standardized across locations.
• Communicates regularly with individuals and departments throughout the organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned based on business needs.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

• Manufacturing environment: will be exposed to loud noises and machinery with moving parts.
• Domestic and international travel required

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multi-discipline team environment.
• Ability to execute agreed tasks and deadlines against performance criteria (KPIs)
• Result-oriented with the ability to follow through and respect deadlines.
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Suite and other programs as needed.
• Proactive and organized.
• Ability to manage confidential information.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing Management, Engineering Technology or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including plant management, operations management, continuous improvement, or related manufacturing leadership roles.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement disciplines.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis proficiency.
• OSHA compliance knowledge.
• Demonstrated success in improving safety, quality, productivity, delivery performance and cost management.
• ERP and/or MRP system knowledge.