Manager of Technical Operations

Position Summary:

The Manager of Technical Operations is an experienced hands-on leader responsible for managing and optimizing Engineering, Tool Fabrication, Quality and Maintenance functions within our precision bend and weld fabrication production facility. This leadership role focuses on staff development, technical mentorship through showing how to do it, and a desire to learn new methods and tools. The Manager of Technical Operations collaborates with Manufacturing Operations and plays a critical role in scaling the business, driving continuous improvement, and fostering a culture rooted in humility, accountability, positive attitude, collaboration, and work ethic. This role has a seat at the weekly leadership team meeting.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

- Develop and implement technical operational actions that improve efficiencies, reduce errors and align with business objectives and customer expectations.

- Lead and mentor staff to grow capabilities, accountability, and teamwork.

- Champion a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Engineering Management

- Lead the Engineering team in creating clever solutions to customer problems, providing innovative new equipment and process solutions, streamlining manufacturing processes for production, and delivering to production line on time.

- Deliver the technical know-how and expertise to the production operations for new product development parts, process and equipment.

- Drive design reviews of new product development (process, best production equipment allocation, check fixture needs, weld and bend fixture concept design)

- Ensure technical standards, documentation, and compliance with applicable codes and regulations.

- Lead the technical interface with customers.

Tool Room Management

- Lead the tool makers and machinists to optimally create tools from prints.

- Mentor on CNC programming improvements and machining efficiency

- Provide guidance on optimal tool design for production, reverse engineering of maintenance requested parts, and production machining support.

- Stay on top of latest materials, tools, machines and processes to stay relevant in the industry.

Quality Management

- Refine and implement the process to continuously improve production quality.

- Manage the Quality function, including inspection, compliance, reports, and working with customer to refine requirements and process to deliver what they need.

- Ensure adherence to internal and external quality standards, industry codes, and customer specifications.

- Establish and monitor quality metrics and corrective/preventive action processes (CAPA).

- Mentor staff on Fero programming improvements, process and report efficiency

Maintenance and Facilities Management

- Lead the Maintenance team to ensure equipment reliability, uptime, and operational safety.

- Improve the use of our Computerized Maintenance Management System to improve the preventative and predictive maintenance for all machinery and facility.

- Oversee facility management, including building systems (HVAC, lighting, utilities) and site upkeep.

- Manage external vendors and service providers for facility-related services such as lawncare, snow removal, waste removal, and contracted maintenance work.

- Collaborate with Production and Engineering to prioritize tasks to minimize production disruption.

- Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and building codes including proper handling, storage, and disposal of waste materials in accordance with state and local laws.

People & Culture

- Promote a respectful, collaborative workplace built on trust and transparency.

- Set clear expectations, conduct regular performance reviews, and drive growth opportunities for team members.

- Ensure alignment with company values in all aspects of operations and leadership.

Budget & Reporting

- Develop and manage operational budgets in collaboration with finance and executive leadership.

- Provide regular updates on operational performance, challenges, and opportunities.

- Lead capital investment planning and execution for production, quality, and facility improvements.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technical Operations, or related field.

- 8+ years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

- Strong engineering practical hands-on experience in mechanical equipment, system and software. Ideal background in fabrication environments.

- Proven experience managing cross functional technical teams successfully

- Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

- Must be skilled at or able to master quicky, fabrication software such as: Faro, Epicor, Solidworks, Camworks, MasterCam, Surfcam, Bendpro, ArTube, BendSim, Limble

- Unsatiable appetite to learn and improve

Personal Attributes Aligned with Our Values:

- Humility – Recognizes the value of others' contributions and leads with a servant-leader mindset.

- Accountability – Takes ownership of decisions, results, and team performance.

- Positive Attitude – Maintains a solution-oriented approach, even in challenging situations.

- Collaboration – Works well across departments, listens actively, and fosters strong partnerships.

- Work Ethic – Demonstrates dedication, reliability, and a strong sense of responsibility.