Engineering Jobs in Lake, WI

THE COMPANY

Great Northern Cabinetry, a manufacturer of high-quality custom cabinetry sold through a nationwide network of kitchen and bath dealers, produces approximately 20,000 cabinets per year. Located in the Village of Rib Lake, WI (a 15-minute drive to the county seat in Medford, WI), Great Northern Cabinetry began in 1972 and employs approximately 85 people. The company is the village’s economic engine and its largest employer.

In 2020, a small group of private investors with extensive experience operating businesses in similar industries acquired Great Northern Cabinetry with a vision to create a leading growth platform in the industry. Ownership is actively involved and is executing the following strategy:

• Implement a lean focused operational system that drives daily improvement in safety, quality, delivery and cost.
• Double the number of active dealers served (and then double again) by adding density in existing markets and then adding new geographies over time.
• Elevate the company’s standing in the community with the aspiration to be the “best manufacturing job in Taylor County” by having a safe and welcoming environment, a team-oriented culture, and a strong compensation and benefits package.

The near-term and long-term outlook for the company’s products is strong. Both new construction and renovation activity is poised to grow for several years due to three macro-economic factors:

• Mortgage rates are expected to slowly decline from multi-decade highs, reducing the cost of home ownership and reigniting existing home sales.
• Since 2009, housing starts in the U.S. have substantially lagged new family formation, creating a shortage of three to five million homes nationwide.
• Equity in homeowner’s houses is at all time highs, and the average age of the U.S. housing stock is approaching a record 40 years old, implying a remodeling boom is on the horizon.

The company’s goal is to achieve $50 million in sales over the next several years, up from approximately $15 million today. With a strong macro-economic backdrop and a clear growth strategy, this aspiration is well within reach.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the company’s Chief Operating Officer (and one of the investor/owners), the Plant Director is responsible for daily safety, quality, production output and equipment maintenance. Of the company’s 85 employees, approximately 55 are direct production workers.

The newly hired Plant Director will work in concert with the Chief Operating Officer to implement and execute a lean focused management system, be able to motivate the hourly team by leveraging his or her soft skills while driving change, accountability, and results. The team has been accepting of the new way of operating but has many skills to learn and old habits to break. Creating a work environment that values experience while implementing a new system and improving our attractiveness to prospective team members is a critical part of the role.

The Plant Director will be part of the executive team and participate in the weekly executive staff meeting. Regarding specific duties, the successful candidate will:

• Develop a culture of safety, quality, delivery and cost throughout the company.
• Execute the lean manufacturing system being implemented to drive daily improvement.
• Create an environment that is attractive to potential employees by setting high expectations, holding team members accountable, rewarding performance, and demonstrating respect to all individuals.
• Achieve the daily, weekly, and monthly production objectives.

THE CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will be a self-starter who can interface effectively with all levels of the organization, is someone who has strong analytical and communication skills, and has the patience to work with a team that is transitioning from what “was” to what “will be.”

Direct experience with wood products would be beneficial, but at a minimum the successful candidate will have led operations in an engineered product business with medium to high volumes. For the right candidate, this will be an exciting, dynamic, challenging and rewarding position, with the opportunity to influence the company’s performance for years to come.

As it builds the company, ownership is seeking to employ three primary principles:

1. Build a team oriented, politics free culture that places a high value on people;
2. Serve customers the way we want to be served when we are the customer;
3. Apply lean manufacturing techniques to create a mindset of continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will be aligned with those principles and lead with the following characteristics:

• Patience with people; impatience with process.
• Cross functional leadership.
• Teacher and mentor.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills – knowing which levers to pull to drive different outcomes.
• Strategy development for capital planning, technology, process, and people.

While the ideal candidate will have a four-year degree and 15+ years of experience (10 of which will have been in leadership roles) leaders without a four-degree but a strong track record of success will also be considered. The selected candidate will have a strong background working for an organization with an established lean culture.

The chosen candidate must:

• Have impeccable integrity,
• Be able to lead others by example
• Be willing to “get his/her hands dirty” when required.

Finally, the successful candidate will enjoy living and working in a rural environment where being a part of the community is paramount and outdoors activities are central to a full lifestyle. This position is not eligible for remote work. Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

Great Northern Cabinetry is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Great Northern Cabinetry are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

THE COMPANY

Great Northern Cabinetry, a manufacturer of high-quality custom cabinetry sold through a nationwide network of kitchen and bath dealers, produces approximately 20,000 cabinets per year. Located in the Village of Rib Lake, WI (a 15-minute drive to the county seat in Medford, WI), Great Northern Cabinetry began in 1972 and employs approximately 85 people. The company is the village’s economic engine and its largest employer.

THE POSITION

The Customer Service Representative plays a vital role in our organization’s success by delivering exceptional support and building strong relationships with our customers. Reporting directly to the Manager, Customer Service, this position serves as a key connection point between our clients and our internal teams—ensuring questions are answered, issues are resolved, and every interaction reflects our commitment to outstanding service.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond to questions regarding product, its applications, use, customization capabilities, etc.
• Edit, analyze and interpret incoming orders covering a wide scope of company products to clarify terminology, completeness of information, missing information, or mis-stated information, pricing, required drawings, etc.
• Input into the order entry computer system all required order information, producing an Order Acknowledgement.
• Coordinate the pricing of special items and drawings as required.
• Verify shipping dates based on information provided by the Scheduling department.
• Check Acknowledgements to the original order. Secure any additional information from the customer and fax the acknowledgement to the customer for their approval.
• Generate shipping labels and all required data for manufacturing. Distribute this information to the proper departments and file the Customer Service department’s copies.
• Resolve problems with the customer or rep. regarding quality control issues, damaged, late or incorrect shipments, pricing issues, etc.
• Always be cheerful, helpful and follow up on all customer needs and inquiries.
• Transcribe information from the order sheets, double check pricing, obtain totals, discounts, freight charges, etc.
• Prepare invoices and distribute to the customer and sales rep, filing the company copy with the Acknowledgement and all other associated documents.
• Must be willing to be crossed trained in other areas.
• Maintain housekeeping within the work area and follow all other company policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

About The Abbey Resort:

Nestled along the scenic shores of Geneva Lake, The Abbey Resort is the only full-service resort on the entire lake and an iconic Midwestern destination for generations of travelers. With 90 acres of landscaped grounds, a beautiful marina, indoor and outdoor pools, an award-winning spa, and multiple dining concepts, The Abbey blends authentic lakeside charm with elevated resort experiences. From weddings on the water to corporate retreats and family getaways, The Abbey is a place where memories are made. The General Manager plays a central role in preserving this legacy while shaping the future of this beloved destination.

About This Job:

The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and operational excellence of the resort, including Rooms, Food & Beverage, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Spa, Recreation, and Engineering. As the cultural heartbeat of the property, the General Manager sets the tone through a strong commitment to guest satisfaction, associate engagement, and operational performance. This role leads a best-in-class team, fosters a positive workplace culture, and guides the property toward long-term success. The General Manager drives revenue and profitability through direct oversight of the commercial team and collaboration with First Hospitality’s corporate sales, marketing, and revenue leaders. Successful General Managers balance strategic thinking with hands-on leadership to ensure the resort is operating smoothly and delivering an exceptional guest experience.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Proactively address guest concerns and elevate the guest experience through thoughtful amenities and seamless service.

• Partner with sales, revenue management, and marketing to maximize top-line revenue and achieve financial goals.

• Champion cost controls and responsible purchasing to manage controllable expenses.

• Hire, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing team focused on exceeding guest expectations.

• Foster a diverse, inclusive, and positive workplace culture aligned with The Abbey and First Hospitality values.

• Lead through visibility and example, motivating department leaders and frontline associates.

• Maintain communication across departments to ensure availability of tools, supplies, and resources.

• Respond quickly and empathetically to guest needs while maintaining professionalism.

• Ensure safety, security, and compliance by communicating all emergency and operational procedures.

• Serve as the face of the resort by engaging with guests, owners, the community, and internal partners.

Success Factors:

Experience & Education:

• 5+ years of hotel or resort management experience, preferably in a full-service or resort environment.

• Sales and revenue management experience or exposure preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Communication & Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with an ability to resolve challenges diplomatically.

• Strong administrative and organizational skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office required.

About First Hospitality:

Founded in 1985 and based in Chicago, First Hospitality is a forward-thinking hotel development, investment, and management company. Our vision is to create value for all through excellence and an openness to doing things differently. We are committed to attracting and retaining a high-performing, diverse workforce where differences are respected and valued. We foster an inclusive work environment built on collaboration, flexibility, and fairness. First Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.