Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Repair Division

Location: Appleton, WI Schedule: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (flexibility to support all shifts as needed) Salary: $100,000–$115,000 annually This position includes a full benefits package

About the Organization: We are a global technology company delivering advanced systems, equipment, and services for the paper, fiber, and industrial manufacturing industries. With a strong focus on innovation, automation, and sustainability, we help customers improve performance, reliability, and environmental impact worldwide.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Strong work/life balance
• Competitive pay and benefits
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Climate-neutral footprint
• Global organization with local impact

Position Summary: The Operations Manager – Repair & Refurbishment leads the transformation and growth of repair operations for fiber systems and paper machine equipment. This role drives operational excellence, automation, and digital innovation while building high-performing teams and expanding repair capabilities across facilities and customer sites.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead automation, digitalization, and process improvement initiatives
• Develop and empower shop floor and leadership teams
• Ensure OSHA, environmental, and quality compliance
• Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Service, and Customers
• Optimize KPIs including On-Time Turnaround and Gross Margin
• Implement robotics, digital tools, and analytics
• Drive growth through expanded repair capabilities and facilities
• Travel up to 35% as needed

Qualifications:

• Proven experience leading operational transformation and business growth
• Strong change leadership and automation experience
• Excellent analytical, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills
• Preferred: Mechanical or Chemical Engineering degree
• Paper industry experience
• Knowledge of mill equipment, repair processes, and quality systems
• Background in automation, robotics, or digital manufacturing

Physical Requirements: Frequent standing, walking, sitting, and computer use. Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs and exposure to industrial noise levels.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly's Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.