Operations Excellence Engineering & Maintenance Manager

Apogee Enterprises · Reed City

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Position Summary

The Operational Excellence, Engineering, & Maintenance Manager leads the deployment and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across manufacturing operations and is accountable for driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost through disciplined problem solving, standard work, and engineering-based solutions. 

Additionally, this role utilizes AMS tools to drive equipment up time, increased throughput, & scrap reduction.  Other Maintenance responsibilities include Capital project management oversight, spare part management, maintenance team execution, and maintenance of buildings and grounds.

This role partners closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and HR to identify performance gaps, prioritize improvement work, and embed AMS principles into daily operations, while providing technical leadership to ensure ownership and continuous improvement of core manufacturing systems and capabilities.

Success in this role requires strong leadership presence, clear prioritization, critical thinking, and a hands-on approach to execution that builds credibility with manufacturing leaders and delivers sustained operational results.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the maintenance supervisor, plant engineering, & operational excellence engineer(s).
• Coach and develop supervisors, engineers, and operators in continuous improvement behaviors, standard work, and problem-solving discipline
• Adhere to established EHS policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for all associates.
• Adhere to established Policies, Standards, and Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs).
• Undertake job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the Company's Core Values.

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Operational Excellence:

• Lead the deployment and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across assigned manufacturing sites
• Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, throughput, scrap reduction, and cost through structured improvement initiatives
• Partner with plant leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute improvement work aligned with business goals and operational metrics
• Apply operational excellence methods and structured problem-solving approaches (e.g., Kaizen, A3, PDCA, DMAIC, standard work, visual management) to resolve operational issues and embed continuous improvement into daily operations
• Analyze production, quality, and labor data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities
• Lead change adoption efforts to ensure improvements are implemented consistently and sustained across departments and shifts
• Ensure sustainment and continuous improvement of core manufacturing processes, through standard work, performance monitoring, and disciplined execution
• Track, communicate, and report results of improvement initiatives, including performance gains and cost savings

Maintenance:

• Development, implementation, training, and monitoring of predictive and preventative maintenance system with a focus on equipment uptime, equipment performance and maintenance efficiency.
• Collaborate with operations and engineering personnel to evaluate and resolve facility and equipment problems. Including obtaining and coordinating the materials, equipment, and resources necessary to complete necessary repairs.
• Review production and maintenance reports and statistics to plan maintenance activities.
• Schedule repair, maintenance, and installation of machines, tools, and equipment to ensure continuous production operations.
• Lead standardization of maintenance practices across site, including preventive maintenance programs, spare parts inventory management, and CMMS use.
• Oversight of annual facility spend budget and identification of cost reduction opportunities.
• Facility and Equipment Capital Investment project management from identification through sustained completion.
• Develop and lead technical training initiatives and apprenticeships to build a professionalized maintenance workforce aligned with future business needs.

Facilities:

• Support long-term facilities planning, including energy management, preventative lifecycle planning, and strategic capital improvement initiatives.
• Monitor and oversee maintenance of all facilities, utilities, and related facility equipment, including gas, electricity, HVAC, and compressed air.
• Coordinate janitorial, snow removal and grounds maintenance including contracted services.
• Assist in the evaluation, development, and management of service contracts to supplement onsite maintenance and facility resources.
• Oversee capital projects involving purchasing of light vehicles, industrial vehicles, buildings, building improvements, and facility equipment.
• Plan, budget, and schedule facilities modifications including cost estimates, bids, layouts, and contracts for construction, working with outside vendors and contractors. Inspect construction and installation progress to ensure conformance to established specifications.
• Oversee purchasing and stocking systems for: facilities and maintenance supplies, as well as repair parts for machinery, equipment, and furniture.
• Oversee the execution of equipment moves, ensuring safe practices and appropriate equipment and rigging is used.

Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Provide technical ownership and governance of extrusion processes, standards, and best practices
• Lead process capability, yield, scrap, and throughput improvements across these technologies
• Support new product introductions, equipment selection, and capital projects related to extrusion operations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Core Skills

• Electrical and Mechanical Aptitude, Strong Interpersonal Skills, Team Building, Problem Solving, Conflict Resolution
• Ability to influence without authority and work effectively across all levels of the organization
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable improvements
• Effective communication, facilitation, and coaching skills to drive understanding and adoption
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work across operations, engineering, and support functions
• Proficiency with standard productivity and data tools (e.g., Excel, BI tools, manufacturing systems)

Leadership Attributes

• Results-oriented with a strong sense of accountability for outcomes
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously
• Adaptable and effective in a changing, fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Education and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment, with demonstrated impact on operational performance
• Proven experience deploying and sustaining continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives within manufacturing operations
• Demonstrated success leading cultural change and advancing continuous improvement maturity across teams and leaders
• Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence frameworks, applied in real operating environments
• Experience leading Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement efforts from identification through sustained results
• (Preferred) Knowledge of Total Preventative Maintenance, Hydraulics, Electronics, and PLC programming

Work Environment/Travel Requirements

• Frequent exposure to manufacturing environment & potential confined space
• Overnight travel will vary based on projects and business needs and is expected to average up to 10%, including approximately one week per quarter and occasional additional travel for corporate meetings or training.
• Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
  • Lift up to 10 lbs.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Our Benefits

Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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