Operations Manager

Strategic Operations Leader | Trusted Partner to the Owner

Help Build What's Next

We're a growing Wisconsin-based manufacturing and retail company driven by innovation, exceptional customer experiences, and continuous improvement. Our entrepreneurial team of approximately 25 employees moves quickly, solves problems together, and takes pride in building a business that continues to grow year after year.

As we enter our next phase of growth, we're looking for an experienced Operations Manager to become a key member of our leadership team.

This is more than an operations role—it's an opportunity to become the Owner's trusted business partner, helping shape strategy, improve execution, strengthen our team, and build the operational foundation for continued success.

If you're energized by solving complex business challenges, leading people, improving organizations, and making a measurable impact every day, we'd love to meet you.

About the Role

As Operations Manager, you'll work directly alongside the Owner to help lead the business. You'll oversee day-to-day operations while driving strategic initiatives that improve performance, strengthen culture, and support long-term growth.

You'll partner with leaders across manufacturing, retail, customer service, and administration to align priorities, improve communication, and ensure the organization operates efficiently and effectively.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys wearing multiple hats, influencing business decisions, and helping an entrepreneurial company reach its next level.

Hybrid Schedule: Three days onsite and two days remote each week.

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as the Owner's trusted advisor and operational partner.

• Help establish company priorities, strategic goals, and business initiatives.

• Drive execution and accountability across departments.

• Lead leadership meetings and company initiatives.

• Develop recommendations that improve organizational performance and scalability.

• Support long-term business planning and organizational growth.

Operations Excellence

• Oversee daily business operations to ensure alignment with company goals.

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, communication, and productivity.

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Lead cross-functional projects from concept through implementation.

• Build scalable systems that support continued company growth.

People & Organizational Development

• Lead recruiting, onboarding, employee engagement, performance management, and retention initiatives.

• Coach managers and help develop future leaders.

• Foster a culture built on accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure compliance with employment laws and HR best practices.

Customer & Business Relationships

• Represent the company with customers, vendors, strategic partners, and community stakeholders.

• Support key client relationships and business development efforts.

• Act as a professional ambassador for the organization and leadership team.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Five or more years of progressive leadership experience in operations, business management, human resources, or a related leadership role.

• Proven success leading teams and improving organizational performance.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance operational, financial, and people priorities.

• Outstanding communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

• High degree of professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion.

Preferred Experience

• Manufacturing, retail, consumer products, automotive, or related industries.

• Experience supporting founders, owners, or entrepreneurial leadership teams.

• Background in organizational growth, process improvement, or operational transformation.

• Previous experience as an Operations Manager, Director of Operations, General Manager, Business Manager, or similar leadership position.

What Success Looks Like

During your first year, you will:

• Become a trusted strategic partner to the Owner.

• Improve communication and collaboration across departments.

• Strengthen recruiting, retention, and employee engagement.

• Implement operational improvements that increase efficiency and accountability.

• Successfully represent the company with customers and business partners.

• Build the systems and processes needed to support the company's continued growth.

Why Join Us?

• Join a growing company where your ideas have real impact.

• Work directly with ownership and help shape the future of the business.

• Enjoy a broad leadership role with visibility across every part of the organization.

• Be part of a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where initiative is valued.

• Competitive compensation package including salary, performance incentives, and benefits based on experience.

• Hybrid work schedule offering flexibility and work-life balance.