Business Unit Leader
Listed on 2026-07-08
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Management
Operations Management, Change Management
Business Unit Leader
Location: Madison, WI
Compensation: $110,000 – $150,000 per year
Employment Type: Full-Time
We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established manufacturing organization seeking a strategic and hands‑on Business Unit Leader to oversee a critical fabrication operation.
This is a senior‑level operations leadership role responsible for driving performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost while leading engineering and front‑line supervisory teams. The ideal candidate brings a strong engineering foundation, proven leadership experience, and a deep understanding of lean manufacturing in a discreet manufacturing environment.
Position OverviewThe Business Unit Leader will oversee the fabrication business unit, leading a team of supervisors, engineers, and technicians to execute operational strategies and improve performance metrics. This role requires both strategic thinking and hands‑on leadership, with accountability for people, processes, and operational assets.
This is a union manufacturing environment. Prior union leadership experience is preferred but not required.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and develop a team of 10–12 supervisors, engineers, and technicians
- Drive operational performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) metrics
- Establish, measure, and report on key performance indicators with full ownership
- Identify operational waste and lead lean initiatives from concept through implementation
- Partner cross‑functionally to align engineering, operations, and support functions
- Conduct data analysis to determine root causes and implement high‑value solutions
- Prioritize initiatives that improve overall site performance
- Develop leadership capability within supervisory and engineering teams
- Ensure a culture grounded in accountability, teamwork, and respect for people
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (required)
- Experience in a discreet manufacturing environment
- 5–10 years of experience in operations leadership, engineering leadership, or a related manufacturing role
- 3–5 years of direct leadership experience managing mid‑level managers or supervisors
- Demonstrated ownership of KPIs and operational metrics
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills
- Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and drive measurable results
- Strong computer and data analysis capabilities
- Experience leading or supporting meaningful lean manufacturing initiatives
- Cross‑functional leadership experience
- Design of experiments (DOE)
- Root cause analysis expertise
- Prior experience working in a union environment
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong people leadership and team development skills
- Ability to balance engineering rigor with operational execution
- A hands‑on, action‑oriented leadership style
- Strategic thinking paired with practical implementation
- Organizational agility and sound decision quality
- A track record of driving continuous improvement
- Competitive compensation
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
- 401(k) with profit sharing
- Education assistance and internal development programs
- Electric vehicle charging access
- Maternity and paternity leave
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