About the Company
Our client is a well-established, family-owned manufacturer of engineered industrial materials and custom-converted products. With roots going back 70 years and a generational transition now underway, this is a rare chance to step into a high-ownership leadership role with a direct line to ownership.
About the Role
We're looking for an organized, hands-on leader who thrives on variety and wants real ownership - someone who can manage a team, keep operations running smoothly, and become a trusted decision-maker in the business.
The successful candidate is a clear, confident communicator with customers, suppliers, and staff alike. This person brings structure to ambiguity, is comfortable shifting between big-picture strategy and hands-on execution, and enjoys balancing time in the office with time on the production floor.
What You Will Do
- Lead the team: Manage, coach, and develop staff across operations; foster accountability and a positive shop-floor and office culture.
- Support sales: Partner with the sales team on customer requirements, costing, and quoting.
- Cost and quote: Prepare accurate cost estimates and customer quotations, balancing margin targets with competitiveness.
- Learn the process: Develop deep familiarity with the company's manufacturing, converting, and finishing operations so you can make informed operational decisions.
- Handle HR functions: Support hiring, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations.
- Improve systems: Use and improve ERP, MRP, and CRM systems to streamline workflows, improve visibility, and reduce manual work.
- Own execution: Keep day-to-day operations on track, coordinating procurement support, business prioritization, quality control, troubleshooting, health and safety, and general administration.
What You Bring
- 5+ years of experience in operations, production, or general management in a manufacturing environment
- Engineering or technical background/familiarity preferred
- Proven ability to manage, motivate, and lead a team by example
- Hands-on experience with ERP and MRP systems; familiarity with CRM tools
- Experience with costing, quoting, or estimating
- Some HR experience (hiring, performance management, or employee relations) is helpful
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with workplace health and safety, including compliance and shop-floor safety practices
