Operations Manager - Packaging Machine Assembly / Production

The Position:

The Technical Operations Manager position is responsible for ensuring collaboration and effective communication with all departments in Inver Grove Heights (IGH), MN and SOMIC Headquarters in Amerang (AMR), Germany. This person is accountable for overseeing the resources, people and processes for approximately 15 team members: in-house assembly technicians, machine assembly staff, supply chain department for procurement and the warehouse, and the Field Service Technicians while on-site in IGH. This position will get functional direction from the COO in Germany, and work side-by-side with the Head of Industrial Engineering in Germany, but ultimately reports to the CEO in the US.

Job Duties:

Technical Operations

• Operational oversight for production planning in alignment with Production Planning Systems (PPS) in Amerang (AMR)
• Collaborate closely with all functions at AMR headquarters
• Manage unit (when implemented) and machine assembly processes, ensuring the timely and efficient assembly of machines at the IGH facility
• Manage machine commissioning processes, ensuring timely execution, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
• Manage resource allocations through performance monitoring, which includes staff training and development, using corrective action as necessary
• Supervise daily operations and project management on-site and ensure the timely, efficient, and professional assembly and commissioning of machines in IGH
• Maintain a strong working relationship with the Supply Chain department, including procurement and warehouse teams

Industrial Engineering:

• Lead the operational ramp-up of the Inver Grove Heights facility
• Oversee factory layout planning and make necessary adjustments
• Define and install necessary working equipment
• Implement operational excellence (OPEX) measures based on established standards from headquarters in AMR
• Transfer and continuously improve production standards.
• Participation in the Design-for-Manufacturing project team

Collaboration & Leadership:

• Align closely with the Operations team in AMR to ensure consistent processes and standards
• Serve as a member of the leadership team at the IGH facility
• Establish long-term customer satisfaction and retention
• Foster a safe and productive work environment, and support staff development
• Support machine safety, including compliance with relevant machine directives
• Active collaboration with other departments on order-related processes
• Ensure accurate data entries in the ERP system (German AMS) and maintain up-to-date records
• Represent the company professionally with current and potential customers, as well as employees

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field

Experience of 3+ years in machine building industry

• Project management experience required
• Experience in commissioning and assembly processes preferred

Strong leadership abilities, with positive, can-do attitude

Professional communication and organizational skills, providing customers with excellent service

Experience working with 2D and preferably 3D drawings

Safe, structured, reliable, and entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work flexibly and under pressure

Ability to work both independently and in a team setting, with an analytical and solution-oriented approach

Strong commitment to high-quality standards

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with ERP systems

Knowledge of German language is a plus

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Pleasant working atmosphere
• 16 Days of annual PTO
• 10 Paid Company Holidays
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Health Spending Plan (with Employer contributions)
• Employer paid Life/AD&D, Short & Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Life/AD&D – Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 401K
• Safety Glasses Allowance (prescription and non-prescription)
• Safety Boots Allowance
• Employee Referral Incentives