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. www.apog.com
Apogee Architectural Metals is a segment of Apogee specializing in aluminum framing, windows, storefront, curtainwall, 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.
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Education and Experience
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
Experience
Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment, with demonstrated impact on operational performance.
Proven experience deploying and sustaining continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives within manufacturing operations.
Demonstrated success leading cultural change and advancing continuous improvement maturity across teams and leaders.
Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence frameworks, applied in real operating environments.
Experience leading Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement efforts from identification through sustained results.
Work Environment/Travel Requirements
Frequent exposure to manufacturing environment.
Overnight travel will vary based on projects and business needs and is expected to average up to 10%, including approximately one week per quarter and occasional additional travel for corporate meetings or training.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
Lift up to 10 lbs.
#LI-MC1
Our Benefits
We care about and invest in our employees. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being and foster professional development. Here is a glimpse of what you can look forward to if you join our team.
Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)
Incentive Plans
401(k) with employer contribution and match
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match
Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)
Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Wellness Program
Training and Career Progression
Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
apog