Department Manager of Laser & Handwork at Arrow Cryogenics, Inc – Blaine, Minnesota

We are seeking a Department Manager to oversee our Laser Engraving and Handwork operations in a precision finishing services environment. This role manages industrial laser engraving, part marking, and detailed handwork for the aerospace, automotive, medical, defense and other industries. The ideal candidate has experience in manufacturing leadership, quality assurance, lean manufacturing, and process improvement. Responsibilities include production supervision, workforce training, SOP development, and precision finishing. If you have expertise in laser engraving, industrial part marking, and detailed hand-finishing techniques, join our team and make an impact in high-performance surface finishing. Competitive pay and benefits offered. Apply today!

Summary | Objective

The Department Manager of Laser and Handwork is the entrepreneurial leader of the area and focuses on business operations thereby meeting the needs of shareholders within the organization while meeting or exceeding customer satisfaction in a safe and organized manner.

Key Accountabilities

• Meet or exceed organizational goals for safety, quality, cost, and delivery
• Manage all aspects of the production department staff and processes
• Ensure quality and customer satisfaction remain a key focus
• Ensure all resources are used in the most cost-effective way

Key Responsibilities

People:

• Lead, develop, direct, coach, and evaluate the performance of painters and maskers
• Support and build a culture based on the Core Values of Arrow Finishing
• Write and deliver performance reviews and has periodic discussions on performance with direct reports ensuring accuracy, honesty, and timeliness of delivery
• Communicate company goals and initiatives to department personnel
• Effectively identify and address performance management issues as they arise. Give recognition in a timely manner for good performance
• Lead hiring, training, terminations, and succession planning for team
• Coordinate with HR to address staffing needs
• Develop and train key personnel to assist in the key processes
• Ensure appropriate personnel are assigned tasks fitting their skillset
• Monitor employee training to ensure all employees have an equal opportunity for success

Safety:

• Implement initiatives to promote a safety culture to drive toward zero incidents
• Determine and implement corrective actions through root cause analysis for sources of OSHA recordable accidents, incidents, and near misses
• Maintain a clean and organized department and ensure employees have the tools and resources necessary
• Oversee the completion of safety audits and ensure findings are addressed timely

Production:

• Oversee the accuracy, creation and development of first articles
• Manage scheduling of incoming work and coordinates with Production Coordinator to optimize schedule attainment as needed
• Review customer purchase orders, prints, and specifications for criteria to ensure traceability, accuracy and accountably of processed work prior to signing specifications
• Manage the overall productivity of Production Technicians to ensure rates are met and efficiency issues are addressed appropriately
• Runs production as needed to achieve a set sales goal
• Monitor workflow to ensure orders are processed using correct priority guides
• Communicate with the quality department and sales on quality issues for resolution
• Monitor and communicate company goals and initiatives to department personnel
• Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives with the objective of increasing customer satisfaction, safety, quality, and efficiency
• Manages and monitors inventory levels as it relates to department specific materials and resources
• Review incoming daily work and create a production schedule to complete orders in a timely manner
• Support Technical Assistants and Team Leaders in their absence and during times of need

Customer Service/Sales:

• Ensure pricing is accurate and RFQs are addressed efficiently
• Oversee the Estimating and Service process
• Inform the Estimating, Sales, and Quality teams on process needs or customer needs
• Regularly review pricing and profitability of recurring projects
• Communicate with customers and the quality department on quality issues and resolutions
• Ensure customer communication from the Team is thorough, timely and professional
• Ensure pricing is accurate and RFQs are addressed efficiently

Quality:

• Drives, develops and ensures compliance to standard operating procedures
• Review and address all quality issues, in conjunction with the quality team to develop plans to mitigate recurring issues
• Complete Process Changes, Part Holds, and Corrective Actions as they arise
• Regularly audit the department to ensure policies, procedures and processes are being followed by all
• Other duties as assigned

Qualities for Success

• Demonstrates Arrow Finishing Core Values
• Must be a US Citizen or hold a green card
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree or equivalent from four-year college or technical school
• Preferred: Two years of management experience in a manufacturing environment
• Preferred: Green belt or black belt certification
• A minimum of one year of manufacturing leadership
• Knowledge of operations, including scheduling, production, procurement, and quality systems
• Experience in implementing continuous improvement, lean or other process improvement techniques
• Strong ‘presence' with customers in person and/or on the phone
• Excellent communication skills (both written, presenting and verbal)
• Well organized and goal oriented
• Assertive self-starter who motivates others
• Strong leader who that make decisions, and is comfortable delegating decision-making where appropriate
• Preferred: Experience with lean manufacturing practices and quality initiatives/programs
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Ability to develop, foster, and maintain a team-oriented work environment
• Ability to run production throughout both departments on all equipment
• Ability to acquire and maintain licenses to operate heavy equipment (forklift, hoist, boom-lift)
• Ability to work and collaborate with others respectfully and professionally
• Must be a highly motivated individual with the ability to make successful judgment calls with customer satisfaction and the organization's best interests in mind

Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 10 lbs. regularly and up to 30 lbs. on occasion
• Ability to use hand tools requiring using fine dexterity and precision
• Standing, sitting, walking, stooping, and bending for 8 hours as the position requires
• Ability to withstand occasional odors

Personal Protective Equipment Required

• Eye protection
• Steel toe or composite toe shoes
• Ear protection (job specific)
• Gloves (job specific)
• Face shield or face mask
• Respirator
• Other PPE as required

We are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. At Arrow Finishing, our commitment to our team is rooted in our five core values of People, Excellence, Integrity, Communication, and Innovation.

Become part of a team where our values shape every action and decision. Experience a workplace dedicated to your growth, well-being, and success. Join Arrow Finishing and make a meaningful impact today!

Medical Benefits

• Medica Passport Choice Network
• Medica Elect Network
• Medica VantagePlus Network

Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Administered by Alerus: Save pre-tax money for medical expenses.
• Annual Company Contribution
• Wellness Incentives: Earn up to $75 per month for meeting wellness goals, up to $900 a year.

Dental & Vision Benefits

• Dental Insurance
  • Employer Paid
• Voluntary Vision Insurance
  • Employee Paid

Income Protection

• Life Insurance: A basic life insurance policy is provided to employees at no cost in the amount of $50,000, with an option to purchase additional coverage.
• Short-term Disability Insurance: Coverage to protect your income during illness or injury for up to 12 weeks at 60% of your income, employee-paid.
• Long-term Disability Insurance: Coverage to protect your income during illness or injury for the period following 12 weeks at 60% of your income, employer-paid.

Additional Voluntary Benefits

• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Insurance: Supplemental coverage for unexpected events.
• Whole Life with Long-Term Care: Coverage that combines life insurance with long-term care benefits.
• Pet Insurance: Coverage for your furry family members.

Financial Security

• 401(K) Retirement Plan: Save for your future with company match contributions. Arrow Finishing contributes to a Safe Harbor match of 100% of the first 3%, and 50% up to 2%.
• Limited Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Set aside pre-tax money for dental, vision, and dependent care expenses.

Paid Time Accrued (PTA)

• Generous Time Off: Accumulate paid time off based on years of service, starting the first week of employment. Newly hired employees accumulate 80 hours in their first year.
• 8 paid company holidays.

Wellness Programs

• Medica Value Adds: Access to wellness resources and programs to support a healthy lifestyle.
• My Health Rewards: Earn rewards for participating in health and wellness activities.

Employee Assistance Program

Medica offers a toll-free hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with counselors who can help resolve personal and work concerns, family problems, and financial difficulties for all employees regardless of coverage. Call 1-800-626-7944 and counselors will help you identify, understand, and cope with problems.

Milestone Anniversary Awards

• Receive a bonus for achieving anniversary milestones; bonuses range from $100 to $5,000.

Educational Assistance

• Up to $5,250 a year towards education supporting your role.

Payroll

• Pay occurs every week on Thursdays.

Eligibility

• Full-Time Employees: Benefits are available to full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week.
• Family Coverage: Options to cover your spouse and dependent children under age 26.

This position will remain open for applicant consideration until February 17th, 2025, unless stated otherwise.