Drafting Manager

Location: Winsted

Job Description

Job Description

Title:
Drafting Manager
Location:
Winsted, MN
Job Type:
Permanent/Direct-Hire
Compensation: $,000
Industry: Manufacturing

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- About the Role
Our firm is partnering with a well-established U.S. manufacturer supporting industrial and infrastructure markets to identify a Drafting Manager. This role leads a technical drafting team responsible for transforming engineered product designs into accurate shop drawings and customer submittal packages that enable efficient production and supply chain execution. The Drafting Manager plays a critical role in driving quality, standardization, and continuous improvement across drafting and detailing processes.

Job Description
The Drafting Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and continuously improving drafting operations. This position provides leadership to the drafting team while ensuring compliance with customer requirements, internal standards, and industry best practices. Success in this role requires strong technical expertise, people leadership, and a disciplined, data-driven approach to efficiency and quality.
Key Responsibilities include:

• Lead, manage, and hold the drafting team accountable for performance, quality, and delivery
• Oversee compliance with customer submittal and drawing review processes
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard drafting and detailing work instructions
• Establish and refine efficiency standards to support production and supply chain execution
• Serve as a subject matter resource for industry-standard drafting and detailing practices
• Drive standardization efforts that reduce variation and improve consistency
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations
• Minimize quality escapes that could result in rework, scrap, or customer field issues
• Communicate directly with internal and external stakeholders with a solution-oriented mindset
• Advocate for process improvements and efficient workflows across departments
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, targeting at least 5% year-over-year efficiency gains

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Associates degree in CAD or a closely related technical field
• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading a team in a technical or engineering-related environment
• At least 5 years of professional experience using CAD software;
  Solid Works experience strongly preferred
• Expert ability to read, interpret, and apply mechanical, structural, and engineering drawings and specifications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership, project management, and delegation capabilities
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional team environments
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Solid math skills, including fractions, decimals, geometry, and algebra
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and perform in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing and implementing standardized drafting or detailing processes
• Background supporting manufacturing or industrial production environments
• Lean, continuous improvement, or data-driven process improvement experience
• Demonstrated aptitude for technology adoption and process optimization

Work Environment
This is primarily an office-based role with regular interaction on the production floor. While performing the duties of this position, the employee will frequently sit or stand, communicate verbally, and use hands to operate standard office and drafting equipment. Occasional walking, bending, reaching, or stooping may be required. When on the production floor, company-provided personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn.
The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Benefits
Our partner's benefits include comprehensive health coverage with medical, dental, and vision plans, plus company HSA contributions and flexible spending accounts. Employees receive company-paid life and disability insurance, along with optional voluntary benefits such as accident and critical illness coverage. Financial security is supported through a 401(k) plan with a 4% match and immediate vesting, as well as performance-based incentive programs, including eligibility for a Short-Term Incentive Plan tied to…