Position Overview
The Operations Manager at Rennsteig Tools, Inc. holds a key leadership position responsible for overseeing and optimizing all U.S. operations, with a strong focus on production management, cross-border coordination and organizational efficiency. Rennsteig Tools, Inc. manufactures high-quality pneumatic crimping machines and specialized tooling for the professional market. As the company continues to grow, this role is critical in ensuring operational excellence, maintaining German engineering standards and scaling production capabilities in alignment with business objectives.
This position forms part of a planned leadership transition due to the retirement of the current Manager and involves the transfer of critical institutional knowledge.
Key Responsibilities
Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Operations & Production Management
- Plan, coordinate and oversee all day-to-day production activities
- Develop and manage production schedules to ensure on-time delivery and efficient workflow
- Monitor and enforce product quality standards through inspections and structured quality control processes
- Analyze, improve and document production workflows to increase efficiency and scalability
- Ensure a safe, clean, and well-organized production environment
Strategic & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Align production output and operational activities with overall company strategy and growth objectives
- Collaborate closely with senior management on business planning, capacity expansion and operational improvements
- Oversee ERP systems and internal processes, including German-developed software platforms
Supply Chain & International Coordination
- Oversee and optimize supply chain coordination between Germany and the United States
- Improve delivery performance and reduce lead times for components sourced internationally
- Support purchasing by coordinating material requirements and maintaining inventory visibility
- Act as a key person between Rennsteig Werkzeuge GmbH (Germany) and the U.S. operation, ensuring accurate implementation of engineering standards and technical specifications
Technical Oversight & Process Implementation
- Support the setup, commissioning and operation of CNC machining equipment (milling and turning), including HAAS machinery
- Ensure adherence to German engineering documentation, manufacturing standards and quality specifications
- Facilitate seamless transfer of technical knowledge and production processes from the parent company
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, motivate and develop production staff, fostering a positive and performance-driven work environment
- Provide training, coaching employees
- Support workforce planning and organizational development as the company scales
Required Qualifications
Technical & Professional Background
- Strong technical background in metalworking, machining and CNC manufacturing
- Proven experience in production management, operations leadership, or manufacturing supervision
- Hands-on experience with CNC equipment
- Working knowledge of quality control standards and documentation practices
- Experience with production planning tools
Leadership & Operational Skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and drive operational improvements
- Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on, solution-oriented mindset
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, small-company environment
- Excellent organizational skills
Language & Cross-Cultural Competence
- English required
- German language proficiency strongly preferred due to direct coordination with the German parent company
Position Summary:
This role requires a specialized combination of technical expertise, cross-border operational leadership and German-language proficiency. The Operations Manager is essential for:
- Ensuring seamless transfer and implementation of German engineering standards and proprietary processes
- Maintaining technical continuity with the German parent company
- Managing international supply chains and optimizing transatlantic delivery performance
- Replacing a retiring Manager while preserving critical institutional knowledge
- Supporting the company’s growth by scaling operations efficiently and professionally