VP of Operations
Company: Kinperium-Hiniker LLC
Location: Mankato
Posted on: March 17, 2026
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Job Description:
Kinperium-Hiniker LLC (Hiniker) is a Minnesota based
manufacturer. With roots in the agricultural equipment industry
going back to 1970 and continuing today, we know how to build
tough, productive, reliable equipment. Hiniker is known for sturdy
cultivators, efficient shredders, and niche equipment such as the
cover crop seeder and NH3 monitors. In 1995, Hiniker branched into
designing and manufacturing snow removal equipment, which is a
trusted tool for many. Hiniker snow and ice equipment is built to
enable the operator to work as efficiently as possible. We do this
with innovative and purpose-built designs like the Hiniker C-Plow
and the Hiniker Scoop Plow. We also manufacture a line of spreaders
and skid steer plows. In 2024, we expanded our offerings with the
acquisition of Daniels Plows, further strengthening our commitment
to high-quality snow removal solutions. We are currently seeking a
VP of Operations to help our team grow. This position requires a
"hands-on" manufacturing executive who is skilled and knowledgeable
in assessing, managing, implementing, and monitoring all
production, purchasing, manufacturing, and logistic requirements of
a dynamic manufacturing company in the snow equipment and
agricultural products industry. . The executive will report to the
CEO/President and work closely with both the President and General
Manager on managing the day-to-day needs of the company, as well as
execute on short-term and long-term goals established by management
and the board of directors. The VP of Operations will provide
leadership to the Operations teams to become change agents that
promote continuous improvement, coach & teach associates, and
deliver results that exceed customer expectations. The VP of
Operations role requires transformational leadership, critical
thinking, attention to detail, organizational and planning
expertise, and solid judgment to deliver the safety, quality, cost
and productivity requirements of the business. This role has a
major effect on the financial results of the organization, and a
degree of financial acumen is required to link operational
performance with revenue and profit. and profit. VP of Operations
Duties and Responsibilities: Manufacturing * Develop and implement
lean process improvements to create an efficient manufacturing
operation that exceed customer expectations. * Develop
manufacturing roadmap for capital investments and process
improvements that deliver consistent, measurable manufacturing
results. * Develop and monitor daily metrics for plant performance
that enhance leadership team visibility and understanding of
operational performance. * Execute a manufacturing strategy to
eliminate redundancies while establishing centers of excellence for
manufacturing and assembly of a healthy mix of products and
standard, custom, configured. * Establish a long-term strategy for
the types of manufacturing capabilities to be retained and
developed. * Act as a change agent for continuous improvement
activities * Manage the team to improve performance while lowering
overall cost. * Implement improvements / automation to the
system-wide operations routines to improve manufacturing levels. *
Foster a culture of lean manufacturing. * Manage the department
budget for overhead costs, capital expenditure(s), headcount, as
well as delivery performance. Logistics & Distribution: * Support
the supply chain strategy that meets corporate performance
objectives as well as customer expectations. * Optimize processes
to ensure delivery of supplies and improve supply chain metrics in
terms of cost and service. * Ensure an optimal level of inventory
control and operational capacity planning to meet demand. * Oversee
and supervise the distribution and logistics strategy to
competitively fulfill demand and optimize inventory levels. Quality
* Oversee the Quality Assurance function & infrastructure to ensure
that all final product observes the company's quality standards. *
Ensure the effective development and implementation of inspection
activities, the detection and resolution of problems, and the
delivery of satisfactory outcomes. Safety * Ensure all aspects of
safety and the organization's facilities follow the various
government and regulatory bodies as they apply to employee health &
safety. * Support HR and Safety teams to foster safety-minded
culture to prevent harm to employees. * Promote and encourage open
communications, encourage reporting of potential risks or near-miss
incidents, and demonstrate by action the collective responsibility
for safety. * Support annual safety training programs. Senior
Leadership * Data driven leader who can communicate results and
plans to the leadership team, while effectively communicating goals
and objectives to the manufacturing team. * Lead a team environment
that values diversity and inclusion with talent development at all
levels. * Foster and maintain healthy collaborative workforce
relations. * Promote a culture that emphasizes customer service for
an ultimate customer experience. * Develops and recommends
corporate operations policy within the Operations Department. *
Defines and recommends cost reductions and efficiency objectives in
each area of Operations. * Develops specific short-term and
long-term plans and programs, together with supporting budget
requests and financial estimates. * Manages performance against
operating plans and standards * Reviews and approves operating and
detail plans for the control of, budgets, labor efficiency,
material procurement and cost control, works closely with other
departments to optimize company resources, engineering
effectiveness, customer service, and order entry efficiency, and
Human Resources. VP of Operations Education & Experience *
Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related profession. *
Extensive experience (min 15 years) in managing a manufacturing
environment, with preferred experience with operations consisting
of metal fabrication, welding, assembly and kitting of completed
components. * Experience as a plant manager, manufacturing manager,
or sourcing/supply chain manager, or a combination of each is
highly desired. * Ability to translate business strategy into
specific team objectives, break down organizational boundaries
through collaboration, build strong relationships based on trust
with all levels of employees, and establish a track record of
personal engagement with customers, partners and suppliers. *
Familiarity with manufacturing systems such as Epicor. * Experience
in cross-border (Canada to US) operations is an asset. * Experience
implementing large-scale initiatives, tracking results, and
reporting outcome to the leadership team. * Technical proficiency
in all areas of manufacturing, supply chain management, and quality
systems. VP of Operations Skills and Abilities: * Excellent
leadership skills, as evidenced by a record of accomplishment of
hiring, retaining, developing and motivating top manufacturing
talent. * Understanding large capital equipment process in
manufacturing. * Advanced knowledge of lean manufacturing systems,
processes, products, and customers. * Identifies strategic
opportunities for operations and demonstrates the ability to think
beyond the current situation and visualize innovative and visionary
approaches to broad business challenges. * Ability to identify and
manage key cost drivers and efficiency opportunities. * Personal
commitment to organizational excellence, honesty, integrity, and a
strong sense of ethics in all decisions and actions. * Experience
in preparing internal and external reporting to support key
decision making and the achievement of organizational objectives. *
Ability to partner effectively with Finance, Sales, Human Resources
and Executive teams. * A strong communicator with effective
presentation skills. VP of Operations Competencies: * Strategic
Agility : Gains perspective and balances the pressure between daily
tasks and strategic actions that impact the long-term viability of
the organization. * Critical thinker: Able to identify
problems/issue and implement plan to promptly resolve. *
Operational Acumen: Maintains and applies a broad understanding of
operational management principles to ensure decisions are aligned
with the organization's strategic objectives. Involves a thorough
understanding of processes, workflows to identify areas for
improvement and drive efficiency and productivity. * Collaborative
Leadership: Knows how to get things done through formal channels
and the informal network while instilling a sense of purpose in
others; sees connection to larger purposes * Communicate for
Impact: Devotes the time and resources necessary to communicate the
strategic vision, direction, priorities, and progress toward
objectives to all key stakeholders. * Leading Change: Fosters a
work environment that encourages creative thinking and the ability
to maintain focus, intensity and persistence, even under adversity.
* Leading People: Able to develop and implement strategies to
maximize employee performance and foster employee engagement.
EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,
color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national
origin, disability or protected veteran status.
PIc648c14884fe-29400-39881838
Keywords: Kinperium-Hiniker LLC, Minneapolis , VP of Operations, Manufacturing , Mankato, Minnesota
