Manager, Operations Excellence & Engineering Manager

Apogee Architectural Metals Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG), founded in 1949 and headquartered in Minneapolis, MN designs and delivers architectural products and services that enclose and enhance commercial buildings.  Apogee Architectural Metals is a segment of Apogee specializing in aluminum framing, windows, storefront, curtain wall, and entrance systems. We provide integrated capabilities, including design, engineering, extrusion, finishing, fabrication and assembly, across North America.

Through our brands including Alumicor, EFCO, Linetec, Tubelite, and Wausau, we deliver quality, consistency, and value-added services throughout our portfolio.
** Position Summary
** The Operational Excellence and Engineering Manager leads the deployment and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across manufacturing operations and is accountable for driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost through disciplined problem solving, standard work, and engineering-based solutions.

This role partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and HR to identify performance gaps, prioritize improvement work, and embed AMS principles into daily operations, while providing technical leadership to ensure ownership and continuous improvement of core manufacturing systems and capabilities.

Success in this role requires strong leadership presence, clear prioritization, and a hands-on approach to execution that builds credibility with manufacturing leaders and delivers sustained operational results.
** Key Responsibilities
*** Lead the deployment and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across assigned manufacturing sites.
* Coach and develop supervisors, engineers, and operators in continuous improvement behaviors, standard work, and problem-solving discipline.
* Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, throughput, scrap reduction, and cost through structured improvement initiatives.
* Partner with plant leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute improvement work aligned with business goals and operational metrics.
* Apply operational excellence methods and structured problem-solving approaches (e.g., Kaizen, A3, PDCA, DMAIC, standard work, visual management) to resolve operational issues and embed continuous improvement into daily operations.
* Analyze production, quality, and labor data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities.
* Lead change adoption efforts to ensure improvements are implemented consistently and sustained across departments and shifts
* Ensure sustainment and continuous improvement of core manufacturing processes, including Assembly, Paint, Anodize, Thermal, and Extrusion, through standard work, performance monitoring, and disciplined execution.
* Track, communicate, and report results of improvement initiatives, including performance gains and cost savings.

Engineering & Technical Leadership
* Provide technical ownership and governance of fabrication, assembly, paint, anodize, thermal, and extrusion processes, standards, and best practices.
* Lead process capability, yield, scrap, and throughput improvements across these technologies.
* Support new product introductions, equipment selection, and capital projects related to paint, anodize, thermal, and extrusion operations.
** Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
**** Core Skills
*** Ability to influence without authority and work effectively across all levels of the organization.
* Strong analytical capability with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable improvements.
* Effective communication, facilitation, and coaching skills to drive understanding and adoption.
* Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work across operations, engineering, and support functions.
* Proficiency with standard productivity and data tools (e.g., Excel, BI tools, manufacturing systems).
** Leadership Attributes
*** Results-oriented with a strong sense of accountability for outcomes.
* Organized and able to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously.
* Adaptable and effective in a changing, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
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