Business Unit Leader 

Location: Madison, WI
Compensation: $110,000 – $150,000 per year
Employment Type: Full-Time

We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established manufacturing organization seeking a strategic and hands-on Business Unit Leader to oversee a critical fabrication operation.

This is a senior-level operations leadership role responsible for driving performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost while leading engineering and front-line supervisory teams. The ideal candidate brings a strong engineering foundation, proven leadership experience, and a deep understanding of lean manufacturing in a discreet manufacturing environment.

Position Overview

The Business Unit Leader will oversee the fabrication business unit, leading a team of supervisors, engineers, and technicians to execute operational strategies and improve performance metrics. This role requires both strategic thinking and hands-on leadership, with accountability for people, processes, and operational assets.

This is a union manufacturing environment. Prior union leadership experience is preferred but not required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 10–12 supervisors, engineers, and technicians

• Drive operational performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) metrics

• Establish, measure, and report on key performance indicators with full ownership

• Identify operational waste and lead lean initiatives from concept through implementation

• Partner cross-functionally to align engineering, operations, and support functions

• Conduct data analysis to determine root causes and implement high-value solutions

• Prioritize initiatives that improve overall site performance

• Develop leadership capability within supervisory and engineering teams

• Ensure a culture grounded in accountability, teamwork, and respect for people

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (required)

• Experience in a discreet manufacturing environment

• 5–10 years of experience in operations leadership, engineering leadership, or a related manufacturing role

• 3–5 years of direct leadership experience managing mid-level managers or supervisors

• Demonstrated ownership of KPIs and operational metrics

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive measurable results

• Strong computer and data analysis capabilities

Preferred

• Experience leading or supporting meaningful lean manufacturing initiatives

• Cross-functional leadership experience

• Design of experiments (DOE)

• Root cause analysis expertise

• Prior experience working in a union environment

Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong people leadership and team development skills

• Ability to balance engineering rigor with operational execution

• A hands-on, action-oriented leadership style

• Strategic thinking paired with practical implementation

• Organizational agility and sound decision quality

• A track record of driving continuous improvement

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans

• 401(k) with profit sharing

• Education assistance and internal development programs

• Electric vehicle charging access

• Maternity and paternity leave