About this role
At KI, we believe knowing our customers helps us serve them better. We listen. We observe. We understand that each customer has unique needs. So, we pride ourselves on helping our customers make smart furniture decisions by offering expert advice, design options and personalized solutions. Since 1941, we’ve positioned KI as the furniture company that best understands the furniture industry and is committed to providing customers with the smart solutions. By targeting specific markets with solutions for business furniture, university furniture, educational furniture, healthcare furniture and government furniture, we can quickly respond to our customers’ unique needs – including the choice to procure furniture according to what fits their ordering and fulfillment process. That’s why we say we offer far more than furniture. We’re Furnishing Knowledge.
Position Summary
The Assistant Operations Manager drives continuous improvement and supports plant operations through cross-functional coordination. This role partners with Operations and Engineering to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
Salary: 75,000 - 95,000 a year
Pay will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Lean/continuous improvement initiatives and Kaizen events
- Analyze KPIs to identify inefficiencies and drive process improvements
- Partner with Engineering on process optimization and standardization
- Lead and develop operations support team members
- Support resolution of production and quality issues
- Monitor performance and escalate risks impacting plant goals
- Ensure compliance with safety and company standards
- Communicate performance, priorities, and improvement updates
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or related field
- 3+ years of manufacturing/operations or CI experience
- Lean knowledge (6S, VSM, JIT, etc.)
- Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills
- Leadership experience preferred
- Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred
Benefits Overview
KI offers a competitive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation, sick time and holidays
- Life and disability insurance
- Onsite nurse
- Onsite fitness center
- Employee assistance program
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Apply Today
Join KI and help drive operational excellence across our Manitowoc facility.
KI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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