Operations Manager

AMTRACO is a global holding company headquartered in Franksville, WI, that manages the shared services of HR, IT, and Finance for its operating units. The four distinct operating units owned by AMTRACO are:

• EPSI – a distribution company servicing the surface finishing industry with presence in all major global markets.
• STM – a manufacturer of pressure sensitive adhesive tapes
• FAST – a distributor of tapes and related products for the framing, architectural, signs, and trophy markets.
• SBM – a commercial real estate company that buys, develops, and leases commercial real estate.

This role supports our STM business.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

Production Leadership & Daily Operations

Oversee daily production activities to ensure output meets quality, safety, and delivery standards.

Monitor production KPIs and address deviations proactively.

Ensure labor, equipment, and materials are aligned to meet production goals.

Resolve operational issues including material defects, equipment downtime, and workflow bottlenecks.

Maintain strong communication with supervisors and production teams on priorities and expectations.

Inventory, Materials & Supply Chain Coordination

Manage forecasting, material planning, and inventory levels to support production schedules.

Coordinate with suppliers and vendors regarding materials, services, and lead times.

Identify and prevent potential shortages or delays affecting production.

Oversee shipping, receiving, and warehouse workflows.

Track material usage, scrap, and cost impacts to support operational improvements.

Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

Ensure production processes comply with quality standards, SOPs, and safety requirements.

Lead root cause investigations, corrective actions, and quality improvement initiatives.

Reduce scrap, waste, and variability through structured process improvements.

Drive Lean/5S/continuous improvement activities to increase efficiency and throughput.

Inspect production areas regularly for quality risks, safety hazards, and procedural compliance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

Partner with Engineering, R&D, and Product teams on product development and manufacturability.

Assist Sales and Customer Service with lead times, production feasibility, and order planning.

Communicate production status, risks, and recovery plans to leadership.

Support budget planning, cost analysis, and operational decision-making.

Act as primary liaison between production, supply chain, and administrative departments.

Leadership, Training & Workforce Development

Train, coach, and develop production supervisors and front-line employees.

Conduct performance evaluations, set expectations, and provide ongoing feedback.

Schedule labor resources and adjust staffing to meet production targets.

Promote a strong safety culture and enforce compliance with safety policies.

Support recruitment, onboarding, and long-term development of operations personnel.

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong managerial and supervisory capabilities with a proven ability to lead, coach, and develop teams.
• In‑depth knowledge of operations, production management, and continuous improvement practices.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial and operational data to establish and achieve production goals.
• Exceptional organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP software systems.
• Preferred: Experience in chemical processing, adhesive formulations, coating, lamination, or wide‑web manufacturing (e.g., films, foils, papers, or specialty tapes).

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field required.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Minimum five years of relevant operations or production management experience, ideally in manufacturing.
• Preferred: Background in chemical manufacturing, adhesive products, coating lines, or converting operations.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to regularly access and navigate manufacturing and production areas.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as needed.