Manager in Training

We are seeking a highly organized, proactive, and solutions-driven Manager in Training of a fast-paced industrial steel fabrication company. This role goes beyond administrative support and requires a business-minded professional who can anticipate needs, solve problems, and take ownership of critical tasks that keep leadership focused on growth, operations, and customer success.

The ideal candidate thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment, understands urgency, and can operate with a high level of discretion, accountability, and initiative.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Support

• Prepare reports, presentations, and correspondence on behalf of leadership
• Act as a gatekeeper while maintaining strong internal and external relationships
• Coordinate and follow up on key initiatives, ensuring deadlines are met

Operational & Business Support

• Relieve day-to-day administrative and operational burdens from executive leadership
• Assist with project coordination across departments including production, estimating, and operations
• Identify inefficiencies and proactively implement solutions
• Support leadership in decision-making with data gathering and analysis

Lease & Contract Administration

• Draft, review, and manage rental leases and related agreements
• Coordinate with legal, finance, and external partners to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Track lease terms, renewals, and obligations

Problem Solving & Process Improvement

• Serve as a go-to problem solver for administrative and operational challenges
• Handle urgent issues with professionalism and sound judgment
• Develop and improve systems, workflows, and communication processes

Communication & Coordination

• Act as a liaison between executives, customers, vendors, and internal teams
• Ensure clear communication across departments in a fast-moving manufacturing environment
• Maintain confidentiality with sensitive business and personnel information

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as an Executive Assistant or in a high-level administrative or operations support role
• Experience supporting senior executives in manufacturing, construction, or industrial environments strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of business operations and ability to think beyond administrative tasks
• Experience drafting contracts, leases, or formal business documents
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive mindset
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and business systems (ERP experience is a plus)

Key Traits for Success

• • Anticipates needs before they arise
  • Takes ownership and executes without constant direction
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, sometimes unstructured environment
  • Strong communicator who can interact with shop floor to executive level
  • Calm under pressure and highly resourceful

Email resume scott.slater@gogpac.com

Call 515-461-1578

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.