Category: Engineering & Manufacturing

Location: Ankeny, Iowa

Work Type: Direct Hire

Salary: $90,000 - $100,000

Salary: $90,000 - $100,000

Work Model: On-Site

Reference #: 45383

This role leads operations at an established manufacturing site focused on fiberglass/composite products, as well as supporting metal components. The Operations Manager is responsible for overall plant performance, including safety, production, quality, maintenance, and continuous improvement. The site is actively growing and requires a hands‑on leader who can stabilize processes, scale production, and lead a large hourly workforce across extrusion, wire bending, and welding operations. Apply today!

Work Model:

  • On-Site

What You Will Do:

  • Lead daily manufacturing operations across fiberglass/composite extrusion, wire bending, and welding, managing production output, staffing, scheduling, and workflow to meet delivery and quality targets
  • Lead, coach, and develop production, maintenance, and support teams while ensuring compliance with safety regulations and internal standards
  • Monitor and improve KPIs (throughput, scrap, downtime, labor efficiency) and drive root-cause analysis and continuous process improvements
  • Partner with quality leadership to maintain product performance and resolve issues while supporting the onboarding of new equipment, product lines, and capacity expansions
  • Oversee preventive maintenance programs to ensure equipment reliability and uptime
  • Coordinate with ownership and site leadership on operational priorities, production planning, and growth initiatives

What You Will Need to Be Successful:

  • 5+ years of manufacturing operations leadership experience with a stable and consistent work history
  • Experience in fiberglass/composites, metal fabrication, wire bending, and welding environments
  • Proven success leading teams of 40+ employees in fast-paced production settings
  • Strong knowledge of production workflows, industrial equipment, and maintenance practices
  • Demonstrated ability to drive operational efficiency, process improvements, and hands-on team leadership

Benefits Overview:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401k
  • PTO
  • EAP

Interested and qualified candidates can contact Aaron Christner at (515) 225-7000 or email achristner@thepalmergroup.com.

Apply Now

About Palmer Group

At Palmer Group, making lives better is at the core of everything we do. For nearly three decades, we have partnered with organizations and individuals to provide thoughtful talent and business solutions that empower careers and drive growth.

As an employee-owned company grounded in strong ethics and values, we are committed to building lasting relationships and delivering results. Contractors working through Palmer Group are eligible to become employee-owners, giving them a stake in our shared success, and enjoy benefits including health insurance, PTO, and 401(k) options.

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