Director of Manufacturing

Windings Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company where every team member shares in our success. Since becoming an ESOP in 1998, we've proudly supported critical industries like Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, and Medical. Our unique ESOP benefits can contribute 10-12% of your annual earnings to your retirement—at no cost to you—helping your savings grow through compound interest.

For over 60 years, Windings has provided critical custom motors and components for the harshest applications, including outer space, military, downhole drilling, and motor sports to name a few. If you like to take on the “tough stuff”, join us and be part of a forward-thinking, people-focused company driven by our purpose: " Making our Customer’s Critical Mission Possible."

We are looking for a Director of Manufacturing  to be on-site for our operations in New Ulm.  The Director of Manufacturing provides strategic leadership for all manufacturing operations at Windings’ New Ulm site, including rapid prototyping and volume production. This role oversees Facility, Quality, and Safety functions, driving operational excellence to deliver high-quality products on time, within budget, and aligned with the company’s growth objectives. 

What you will be responsible for...

• Collaborate with department leaders to achieve both company-wide strategic goals and manufacturing-specific objectives. Serve as a liaison across all organizational levels—from executives to frontline managers—effectively communicating decisions, policies, and matters that impact team performance, engagement, and results.
• Develop and manage revenue forecasts and detailed capacity plans to address shifting demand, optimize resource allocation, and support strategic initiatives. Provide regular outlook reports to the executive team to guide planning and decision-making
• Establish and direct key production, quality, and safety performance indicators aligned with company strategic goals. Develop and maintain a dashboard to report KPI and objective status monthly, ensuring continued progress and goal attainment. Design and implement action plans as needed to drive continual improvement, and collaborate with engineering, program management, and sales teams to define metrics and set goals based on performance data
• Drive operational excellence in production operations to achieve high performance in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost. Apply lean manufacturing principles to systematically improve productivity, efficiency, first-pass yield, and reduce lead time and cost of poor quality. Oversee the establishment, implementation, and maintenance of production standards
• Provide leadership, direction, and coaching to assigned personnel, including day-to-day guidance, performance feedback, ongoing training, and discipline. Ensure proper documentation of relevant events and occurrences to support team development and accountability.
• Champion training programs to develop current and future manufacturing talent.
• Promote company values, policies, and culture throughout the manufacturing organization.

What you need...

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business ore related field is required; relevant work experience maybe be considered in lieu of degree
• MBA Preferred

Experience: 

• Minimum 10 years in manufacturing, including at least 5 years in a leadership role in manufacturing or electronic motor assembly
• Extensive experience high-mix manufacturing environments 
• Experience in implementing Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, and digital factory initiatives 

Knowledge / Skills

• Knowledge of electromagnetic, electric motor/generator, or electronics manufacturing is preferred.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership and team development capabilities
• Ability to influence culture and drive positive change in a collaborative environment
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team and work jointly across departments
• Ability to work effectively with employee owners at all levels of the company
• Proficient in MS Office products (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)

What you will get...

• An awesome employee-ownership culture
• Full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, disability, life and more)
• Paid time off
• 401k match and ESOP contributions
• Flexible work environment
• Education reimbursement

We are committed to providing pay ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations. The listed pay range is provided in good faith and is subject to adjustments in accordance with company policies and market conditions.

This position is eligible to participate in a performance-based bonus program based on company performance goals. Bonus payouts are not guaranteed and are determined at the company's discretion.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. Specific vision ability by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Other Requirements:

Because employees in this position must handle information covered by the International Trade and Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), successful applicants will be: (1) required to verify their identity and their status as a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or person granted refugee or asylee status (or equivalent) in the U.S.; OR (2) undergo additional steps, including but not limited to licensure from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and/or the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Windings is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected Veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

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