Operation Manager - Machining

Organization: Chandler Industries

Date Posted: August 19, 2026

Date Needed: September 28, 2026

Location: Blaine, Minnesota, United States

Primary Category: Tooling and Machining

Additional Categories:

• Management/Executive
• Tooling and Machining

Salary Range: $100,254 to $150,381 Per Year

Position Type: Full-Time

Education Required: Bachelor's Degree

Experience Required: 5 - 10 Years

Job Description:

Operations Manager - Machining Lead Machining Operations. Develop High-Performing Teams. Drive Operational Excellence. Chandler Industries is growing, and we're looking for an Operations Manager - Machining to lead the day-to-day operations of our precision machining department. If you're an experienced manufacturing leader with strong CNC machining expertise, a passion for developing people, and a track record of improving safety, quality, delivery, and productivity, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact within a rapidly growing organization serving some of the world's most demanding industries. As Operations Manager - Machining, you'll lead production performance, develop supervisors and machinists, drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, and partner across Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Materials to ensure customer commitments are achieved safely, efficiently, and profitably. Why Chandler Industries? Chandler Industries is a premier contract manufacturer specializing in precision machining, EDM, sheet metal fabrication, and complex assemblies. We serve leading customers in aerospace, defense, medical, semiconductor, and other highly regulated industries where quality, precision, and reliability are critical. With five divisions across Minnesota and Wisconsin, Chandler continues to invest in people, technology, and manufacturing innovation while maintaining a culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. What You'll Do • Lead and manage day-to-day CNC machining operations, ensuring production schedules and customer delivery requirements are met with a strong focus on safety, quality, efficiency, and accountability. • Lead, coach, and develop Production Supervisors, machinists, leads, and support staff;set clear expectations, provide performance feedback, address underperformance, and build development and career-growth opportunities. • Own department performance and key operating metrics, including cycle time, machine utilization, throughput, on-time delivery, labor and capacity, while managing departmental budgets and supporting profitability targets. • Drive continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives, including setup reduction, 5S, standard work, value-stream/process-flow improvements, bottleneck reduction, and Kaizen activities. • Provide technical leadership for CNC machining processes and equipment, support troubleshooting of machining issues, and oversee implementation of new machining technologies and machine upgrades. • Oversee projects involving new product introduction, process improvements, automation, and capital equipment;coordinate cross-functional teams to achieve project scope, timing, and budget objectives. • Partner with Engineering, Quality, Materials, and other functions on product development, process changes, nonconformances, quality issues, and continuous improvement to meet customer specifications and delivery requirements. • Lead and participate in NPI and cross-functional reviews with customers and suppliers, supporting process flow charts, FMEAs, Control Plans, operator instructions, and successful production launches. • Support recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding for the machining department to build a highly capable team with the technical skills and cultural fit needed for continued growth. What We're Looking For • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience. • Minimum 7-10 years of experience in machining operations, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role. • Strong technical knowledge of CNC machining, with demonstrated experience in CNC machining operations. • Familiarity with ISO and/or AS9100 quality systems and experience working in a quality-driven manufacturing environment. • Demonstrated experience with lean manufacturing methodologies and continuous improvement;Six Sigma certification is a plus. • Proven project management experience, including successful completion of complex, cross-functional projects. • Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, build consensus, and drive action. • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to develop people, foster cross-functional relationships, and achieve results through others. Preferred Qualifications • Experience working in aerospace, medical, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries. • Experience with AS9100, ISO 13485, and/or NADCAP environments. • Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems;Epicor experience preferred. • Lean/Six Sigma certification or other relevant continuous improvement credentials. • Working knowledge of OSHA requirements, environmental practices, and employment-related requirements in a manufacturing environment. What We Offer • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. • Medical, dental, and vision insurance. • Company-paid life insurance. • Short- and long-term disability coverage. • 401(k) with Safe Harbor company match. • Paid holidays and paid time off. • Career advancement opportunities within a growing organization. • The opportunity to work on mission-critical products that make a difference. Apply online at www.chandlerindustries.com

How To Apply: Visit our website and locate the careers tab