General Manager - Lake Mills

Lead. Grow. Improve. Make an Impact. Are you a manufacturing leader who thrives on building strong teams, improving operations, and driving results? Chandler Industries is looking for a General Manager to lead our Lake Mills, Wisconsin operation, formerly Aztalan Engineering, and help take the business to the next level. This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys being close to the business and the shop floor - someone who can set the strategy, engage the team, solve problems, and turn opportunities into results.

About Chandler Industries Chandler Industries is a premier contract manufacturer specializing in precision machining, EDM, sheet metal fabrication, and value-added manufacturing services. With five divisions across Minnesota and Wisconsin, we serve leading customers in highly regulated industries, including aerospace, defense, medical, and semiconductor markets. Our reputation is built on responsive customer service, technical expertise, world-class quality, on-time performance, and innovative lean manufacturing practices.

The Opportunity

As General Manager – Lake Mills, you will have responsibility for the overall performance of the operation, leading Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, and Operations. You'll drive profitable growth, operational excellence, quality, delivery, continuous improvement, and employee engagement while developing a team that is empowered, accountable, and focused on winning together. We’re looking for a leader who brings energy, urgency, and a hands-on approach to manufacturing leadership.

You’ll have the opportunity to: Lead the business — Develop and execute the site's manufacturing and operational strategy while driving profitability and growth. Build a high-performing culture — Coach and develop leaders, strengthen employee engagement, and create an environment where people are empowered to solve problems and make improvements. Drive operational excellence — Improve productivity, equipment utilization, quality, delivery, cost, and other key operational measures.

Champion continuous improvement — Lead Lean initiatives, eliminate waste, strengthen standardized processes, and build a "right first time" mindset. Stay connected to the floor — Maintain a strong presence throughout the operation and work alongside the team to understand challenges and remove barriers. Deliver for customers — Create a culture of responsiveness and urgency while partnering with Business Development to strengthen customer relationships.

Shape the future — Manage capacity, support new product transitions, improve equipment availability, and ensure the operation is positioned for continued growth.

What You’ll Bring

• You’re a proven manufacturing leader who combines strategic thinking with a bias for action.
• You know how to use data to make decisions, but you’re equally comfortable walking the floor, asking questions, coaching employees, and tackling problems alongside the team.
• The position calls for at least 7 years of progressive manufacturing and operations leadership experience, along with precision machining and contract manufacturing experience.
• Strong financial acumen - including an understanding of P&L, cost, and cash -is important, as is experience driving continuous improvement.
• A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related field is preferred, as are an MBA/MS, Lean or Six Sigma certification, and Epicor ERP experience.
• Why Chandler?
• This is an opportunity to lead an established precision manufacturing operation while having the ability to make your mark.
• You'll join an organization that values collaboration, problem solving, continuous improvement, customer responsiveness, and developing great people.
• Chandler offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; a 401(k) with safe harbor company match; paid holidays; paid time off; and supplemental benefit options.
• If you're energized by manufacturing, motivated by results, and excited about building teams and improving a business, we'd like to hear from you.
• Join Chandler Industries and help us build what's next in Lake Mills.