Manufacturing Manager

Date Posted

October 8, 2026

Location

De Pere, WI
Overview

The Manufacturing Manager provides hands-on leadership and direction for Midland Plastics’ manufacturing operations, including Machining, Fabrication, Maintenance, and Programming. This role is accountable for production performance, staffing, workflow, equipment reliability, continuous improvement, employee development, and serves as the facility Safety Team Lead. Success requires a strong floor presence, effective communication, and the ability to develop teams while balancing safety, quality, customer priorities, and production demands.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Direct and coordinate production and processing activities within the Machining and Fabrication departments to meet customer, quality, productivity, and delivery expectations.

  • Review production schedules and production orders with Department Supervisors to determine staffing requirements, workflows, and work assignments while considering budgetary limitations and time constraints.

  •  Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor to understand operational challenges, support supervisors, remove barriers, and drive accountability.

  • Direct and coordinate the machine Programming team to ensure programming priorities align with production schedules and customer requirements.

  • Develops or implements production tracking and key performance indicators related to production, quality, maintenance, or other operational measures to detect and address production issues.

  • Review operations and collaborate with technical and administrative staff to resolve manufacturing issues and support customer requirements.

  • Participate in hiring, training, performance management, corrective action, and termination decisions in partnership with Department Supervisors and Human Resources.

  • Serve as the facility Safety Team Lead and provide leadership and direction for the company's safety program and Safety Team activities.

  • Analyze production and operational information to identify trends, determine root causes, and implement solutions to production or processing problems.

  • Develop supervisors and employees through regular coaching, feedback, performance discussions, and development planning.

  • Ensure new employees receive appropriate training, onboarding, follow-up, and ongoing evaluation of their progress.

Qualifications
  • Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing supervisors and production teams within a manufacturing environment.

  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Operations Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred.

  • Previous experience working in a custom job shop or similar manufacturing environment is required.

  • Experience overseeing machining, fabrication, CNC, or similar manufacturing operations strongly preferred.

  • Working knowledge of manufacturing scheduling, production planning, labor utilization, quality, equipment maintenance, and continuous improvement.

  • Experience working with CNC programming or machine programming functions preferred.

  • Demonstrated experience leading workplace safety initiatives and promoting a strong safety culture.

  • Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and hold supervisors and employees accountable.

  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to analyze operational information and implement effective solutions.

  • Ability to manage changing priorities and customer requirements in a fast-paced custom manufacturing environment.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.

  • Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and root-cause problem-solving principles preferred.

  • Knowledge of OSHA requirements and manufacturing safety practices preferred.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing/ERP or production management systems.

 

Why You’ll Love Working Here
  • Comprehensive benefits package including:

    • Medical, Dental, Vision

    • Life Insurance & Disability (Short & Long Term)

    • Additional Voluntary Benefit Plans

    • 401(k) with Competitive Company Match

    • Fitness Reimbursement

  • Engaging company culture with team events and a family focused environment.

  • Make an Impact by playing a key role in shaping manufacturing operations, improving processes, and driving results.

 

APPLY TODAY by uploading your resume and completing our brief 5-minute Culture Index survey at the following link: https://go.cultureindex.com/s/3F2D7E0000


This is not a pass or fail test, but rather a tool that helps us better understand how your work preferences align with the Midland Plastics team culture. 

If you experience any issues during the application process or simply have questions, feel free to contact the recruitment team at mp-hr@midlandplastics.com.