Strategic Operations Insights Lead

Turn Data Into Decisions. Drive the Future of Manufacturing.

At Windings, Inc., we’re not looking for someone to simply build reports. We’re looking for someone who can see patterns before others do, turn operational complexity into clarity, and help shape the future of a growing manufacturing organization.

This is a high-impact role that sits at the center of Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance. You’ll partner directly with executive leadership to transform raw operational data into actionable business intelligence that drives smarter decisions, stronger margins, and scalable growth.

If you thrive in fast-paced environments, love solving operational puzzles, and get excited about dashboards, predictive analytics, and continuous improvement — this role was built for you.

*** This position can sit in either our Eden Prairie, MN location or at our main facility in New Ulm, MN

• Create executive-level dashboards and automated reporting tools using platforms like Power BI or Tableau
• Develop visualizations that provide insight into operational performance across Quality, Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain
• Deliver real-time visibility into KPIs, trends, bottlenecks, and business performance

• Analyze sales orders, manufacturing cycles, inventory, throughput, and margin trends
• Support SIOP/S&OP planning and operational forecasting
• Identify opportunities for margin expansion, working capital improvement, and operational efficiency
• Help leadership prioritize long-range investments and growth initiatives

You’ll work across multiple areas of the business, including:

• Engineering – uncover cost reduction opportunities through product and process analysis
• Operations – optimize scheduling, capacity planning, and production flow across sites
• Quality – analyze nonconformance trends and Cost of Quality (CoQ) drivers
• Supply Chain – improve inventory turns and support supply continuity strategies

• Provide visibility into safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance
• Help drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Use EOS/Traction methodologies to support accountability and execution

• Direct exposure to executive leadership
• High visibility and strategic influence
• Opportunity to shape systems, dashboards, and reporting from the ground up
• Work that directly impacts growth, profitability, and operational performance
• A dynamic manufacturing environment where no two days look the same

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics, Engineering, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5–7 years of analytical experience within manufacturing operations
• Experience building KPI frameworks, dashboards, and executive reporting tools
• Strong understanding of manufacturing data, costing, throughput, and operational metrics

• Power BI, Tableau, or other visualization tools
• Advanced Excel and Power Query skills
• SQL and data modeling experience
• ERP/MRP system experience

• Engineer-to-Order (ETO) manufacturing
• SIOP/S&OP processes
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies
• Multi-site or global manufacturing operations

You’ll help create visibility into:

• On-Time Delivery performance
• Capacity vs. demand planning
• Inventory turns and working capital improvements
• Margin expansion opportunities
• Cost of Quality (CoQ)
• Safety performance and TRIR trends
• New Product Introduction (NPI) cycle time
• Program financial performance

$85,000 - $105,000- annual DOQ

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…