Project Engineer / Project Manager – Restoration & Concrete Repair
Milwaukee Area | Onsite and Field-Based
Project Engineer / Project Manager – Restoration & Concrete Repair
Milwaukee Area | Onsite and Field-Based
$110,000 – $160,000 DOE plus bonus potential
TLS Partners is partnering with a respected restoration and engineering firm in the Milwaukee area to hire a Project Engineer / Project Manager. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on bidding, estimating, and managing restoration projects across commercial, historical, and select residential structures. The ideal candidate enjoys walking job sites, meeting with clients, developing detailed proposals, and leading crews through successful project execution.
This is not a design-only engineering role. You will take full ownership of your projects from the initial site walk and bid through scheduling, execution, and closeout.
Responsibilities
• Meet with clients to evaluate restoration needs for commercial, historical, and residential buildings
• Create detailed takeoffs, estimates, and bid proposals for concrete, masonry, and exterior repair work
• Develop scopes of work and pricing with accuracy and clarity
• Serve as the main point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle
• Manage schedules, subcontractors, materials, and job site activity
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor quality, safety, and schedule adherence
• Coordinate with licensed engineers when stamped design is required
• Oversee projects from bid award through completion and closeout
Qualifications
• Experience in concrete repair, masonry, exterior envelope, or general restoration
• Strong background in estimating and bid development
• Comfortable in customer-facing roles, including sales and project scoping
• Able to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously
• Hands-on understanding of field construction methods and sequencing
• Engineering degree helpful but not required — relevant experience is key
Why This Role Stands Out
• Project ownership from start to finish
• Mix of office, job site, and client-facing work
• Stable, well-respected restoration firm
• Variety of project types including commercial, historical, and residential
• Long-term opportunity with growth potential
• Engineering support available when required
Apply today or reach out to Tami Siekert, Founder of TLS Partners, to learn more about this opportunity.
IT Director (100% Onsite)
Greater Milwaukee Area | Manufacturing & Industrial
We are working with a growing, privately held manufacturing organization in the Greater Milwaukee area to identify an experienced IT Director to lead and scale its technology function. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys building systems, creating structure, and translating business goals into reliable, secure technology solutions.
This role sits at the crossroads of strategy and execution. You’ll own the enterprise technology roadmap while also ensuring day-to-day systems, infrastructure, and security are stable and ready to support continued growth. If you’re energized by accountability, operational complexity, and leading teams through change, this role offers the opportunity to make a real, visible impact.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Technology Strategy & Executive Partnership
- Develop and execute a multi-year IT strategy aligned with business growth, operational scale, and manufacturing needs
- Serve as a trusted partner to executive leadership on technology enablement, system scalability, cybersecurity risk, and digital transformation
- Establish IT governance, prioritization models, and decision-making frameworks
- Define and track IT performance metrics, dashboards, and reporting tied to business outcomes
- Program & Portfolio Management
- Own the enterprise IT portfolio, managing multiple initiatives and dependencies simultaneously
- Apply disciplined program and project management practices across scope, timelines, budgets, resources, and risk
- Drive consistent delivery across ERP, system integrations, infrastructure upgrades, cybersecurity initiatives, and data platforms
- Standardize SDLC, change management, and release processes to improve predictability and outcomes
- Enterprise Applications & Data
- Oversee core enterprise systems including ERP, CRM, finance, HR, manufacturing, supply chain, and reporting platforms
- Lead systems integration, data architecture, and automation efforts
- Reduce technical debt while improving system performance, usability, and reliability
- Infrastructure, Security & IT Operations
- Lead IT infrastructure operations including networks, servers, cloud environments, endpoints, backups, and disaster recovery
- Ensure high system availability, business continuity, and incident response readiness
- Establish cybersecurity standards, access controls, and compliance practices appropriate for an industrial manufacturing environment
What We’re Looking For
- 10+ years of progressive IT experience with at least 5 years in a senior IT leadership role (Director level or equivalent)
- Strong background in ERP ecosystems, enterprise systems integration, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, and enterprise architecture
- Proven people leader with experience managing both application/software teams and infrastructure/operations teams (20+ staff)
- Demonstrated strength in program and portfolio management across complex, cross-functional environments
- Experience supporting manufacturing, industrial, or operationally complex organizations strongly preferred
- Ability to influence executive stakeholders and lead change initiatives
- Willingness and ability to work 100% onsite
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (required)
- Master’s degree (MBA, MS in IT, Engineering Management) preferred
- PMP, SAFe, ITIL, or similar certifications preferred
- Cybersecurity and/or cloud certifications a plus
HR Director
Greater Milwaukee Area | Manufacturing Environment
We are partnering with a rapidly growing, privately held manufacturing organization in the Greater Milwaukee area to identify a strategic HR Director. This is not a maintenance role — it’s a build-and-scale opportunity for an HR leader who thrives in growth, structure, and execution.
This role is ideal for someone who sees Human Resources as an operational engine, not a back-office function. You will design, implement, and lead the people systems that support aggressive growth, operational discipline, and a strong culture across both office and manufacturing teams.
If you enjoy bringing clarity to complexity, building systems from the ground up, and partnering closely with executive leadership — this role offers the chance to make a lasting, visible impact.
What You’ll Do
- Strategic HR Leadership
- Develop and execute a multi-year HR strategy aligned with company growth and operational goals
- Partner with executive leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, succession planning, and talent strategy
- Establish HR KPIs, dashboards, and reporting rhythms that support data-driven decisions
- HR Operations & Infrastructure
- Standardize, document, and improve HR processes, procedures, and policies
- Lead HRIS selection, implementation, and optimization (HRIS, LMS, and related systems)
- Drive process automation, documentation, and internal controls
- Conduct internal audits to ensure HR records and practices meet compliance standards
- Reporting, Analytics & Continuous Improvement
- Deliver regular reporting on turnover, retention, headcount, hiring metrics, absenteeism, and overtime trends
- Identify root causes of workforce challenges and implement corrective actions
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across HR operations
- Performance & Talent Development
- Design and implement performance review systems for hourly and salaried employees
- Build career progression frameworks and development paths
- Coach managers and supervisors on performance management, documentation, and accountability
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEOC, OSHA, I-9, wage & hour)
- Maintain HR policies, employee handbook, SOPs, and discipline documentation
- Oversee audits, risk mitigation efforts, and employment-related investigations
- Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Support
- Lead and support the Training & Development function, including the ongoing build-out of a structured training academy and LMS
- Partner with Talent Acquisition on workforce planning, recruiting strategy, and agency management
- Support Employee Relations efforts, including culture reinforcement, conflict resolution, investigations, and employee engagement
- Oversee compensation and benefits administration in partnership with leadership
What We’re Looking For
- 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including 5+ years in a senior HR leadership role (Director level or equivalent)
- Proven success building and executing multi-year HR strategies in growing organizations
- Experience advising executive teams on workforce planning, organizational design, and succession planning
- Strong people leader with experience managing multiple HR functions and leaders (Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Training, HR Operations)
- Demonstrated ability to design, standardize, and document scalable HR processes and procedures
- Hands-on experience with HRIS and LMS selection, implementation, and optimization
- Deep knowledge of federal and state employment laws and compliance requirements
- Ability to align with and actively support company culture
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field (required)
Master’s degree (MBA, MS in HR or Organizational Development) strongly preferred
Mechanical Design Engineer Manager- Direct Hire
Milwaukee, WI
Mechanical Design Engineer Manager
Location: Greater Milwaukee, WI
Compensation: Open, depending on experience
TLS Partners is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer Manager on behalf of our client, a leading manufacturer in the Greater Milwaukee area. This is a direct hire opportunity with a company that values innovation, collaboration, and long-term growth.
We are looking for a proven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about building and mentoring high-performing engineering teams. The Mechanical Design Engineer Manager will share management responsibilities for a group of approximately 60 mechanical engineers, overseeing the design, development, and support of mechanical systems, tanks, and enclosures. This role works cross-functionally to ensure quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement across engineering and manufacturing processes.
What You’ll Do
- Lead, manage, and mentor a team of mechanical engineers through all phases of product development, from concept through production.
- Share responsibility for managing a team of about 60 mechanical engineers across multiple programs and initiatives.
- Oversee design activities including CAD, SolidWorks, DriveWorks, PDM, modeling, prototyping, testing, and validation.
- Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and customer specifications.
- Manage project schedules, resource planning, and team assignments.
- Collaborate with Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Management to align on requirements and deliverables.
- Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes, tools, and standards.
- Support root cause analysis and resolution of product issues during development and in the field.
- Evaluate and implement new technologies to maximize automation and enhance team efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and regulations.
- Strengthen processes across engineering teams while maintaining agility for customized projects.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Strong proficiency in SolidWorks; PDM and ERP system experience preferred.
- Expertise in sheet-metal and weldment design.
- In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes and design-for-manufacturability principles.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage multiple projects, and set clear priorities.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and hands-on approach to technical challenges.
- Strong communication skills, with ability to collaborate across departments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
- Reliable transportation with ability to travel between local manufacturing sites.
- Significant experience in metal fabrication and manufacturing, including laser, plasma, turret, brake press, folding machines, welding, coatings, and assembly.
What My Client Is Really Looking For
Hands-on leadership: Not just a desk or people manager. We need someone who will still step into SolidWorks and PDM when needed and stay connected to the design work.
Balanced management: You’ll co-manage about 60 engineers and designers alongside another manager, dividing responsibilities based on strengths. Collaboration and balance are key.
Approachable leadership style: A steady, motivating, easy-to-work-with leader who can earn trust and build the team up.
Improving performance: The team needs someone who can re-engage them, get projects back on track, and boost results without micromanaging.
Technical credibility: Sheet metal, weldments, tanks, and enclosure design are core here. The manager must understand these areas and be able to spot issues before they reach production.
Influence on the team and process: You’ll have input on hiring, recommending improvements, and shaping how the engineering group operates — not just maintaining the status quo.
Company fit: This role works best for someone laid-back and approachable but still strong enough to guide, motivate, and hold people accountable.
Bottom line: They want a working leader — a mix of technical expertise, people skills, and the ability to earn respect while making the team more effective.
About TLS Partners
TLS Partners is a boutique direct-hire recruiting firm built on over 25 years of experience connecting exceptional talent with outstanding companies. We take pride in offering a high-touch, white-glove approach to hiring, ensuring that both our clients and candidates receive the attention, honesty, and long-term commitment they deserve. Our mission is simple: purposeful hiring that delivers results.
Payroll Manager
Milwaukee, WI
Payroll Manager
Milwaukee, WI · Accounting/Finance
A growing manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations for a workforce of more than 1,200 employees across multiple locations. Reporting to the Controller, this role will lead a small team responsible for timely and accurate payroll processing, compliance, and system efficiency.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys leading by example, improving processes, and ensuring that employees are paid correctly and on time while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and confidentiality.
Responsibilities
• Oversee the end-to-end payroll process for over 1,200 hourly and salaried employees across multiple states
• Supervise and mentor a team of payroll specialists
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax and wage laws
• Partner with accounting and HR on benefits deductions, garnishments, and reporting
• Review and approve payroll reports prior to processing
• Assist in ERP or payroll system upgrades and data integrity checks
• Develop and implement process improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency
• Respond to employee inquiries related to payroll, taxes, or deductions
Qualifications
• 5+ years of payroll management experience, ideally within a manufacturing or multi-site environment
• Strong knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations
• Experience with ERP payroll systems and Excel proficiency
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy in a fast-paced setting
Schedule: Full-time, on-site (first shift, Monday–Friday)
Compensation: Based on experience, competitive benefits package
Production Planner
Milwaukee, WI
Production Planner
We’re recruiting for a Production Planner to help coordinate schedules, materials, and workflow to keep production running smoothly and on time. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, is highly organized, and thrives on problem-solving.
Key Responsibilities:
Plan and schedule production orders to meet customer delivery timelines
Review work orders, capacity, and inventory to ensure material availability
Coordinate between purchasing, engineering, and production teams to resolve scheduling or material conflicts
Maintain accurate data in ERP/MRP systems and generate production reports
Monitor progress of jobs and adjust schedules as needed to keep production efficient
Support continuous improvement initiatives in planning and workflow processes
Qualifications:
3+ years of production planning, scheduling, or related manufacturing experience
Strong organizational and communication skills
Experience using ERP or MRP systems
Manufacturing background preferred — steel fabrication or enclosure experience a plus
Maintenance Supervisor
Milwaukee, WI
We’re seeking a hands-on Maintenance Supervisor to lead maintenance efforts in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
This role oversees preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of production machinery and facility systems while mentoring a small team of maintenance technicians.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead, train, and schedule maintenance technicians across multiple shifts
Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs
Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
Coordinate with production leaders to minimize downtime and prioritize work orders
Maintain spare parts inventory and vendor relationships
Ensure all safety standards and compliance requirements are met
Qualifications:
5+ years of industrial maintenance experience, including at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role
Strong electrical/mechanical troubleshooting skills (PLC knowledge a plus)
Ability to read blueprints and schematics
Excellent communication and leadership skills
Background in fabrication or enclosure manufacturing preferred
Purchasing Manager- Manufacturing
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Purchasing Manager
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Compensation: $90,000 – $110,000
We are seeking an experienced and driven Purchasing Manager to lead purchasing activities for a well-established and growing manufacturing organization. This role will oversee supplier relationships, manage sourcing strategies, and ensure the timely procurement of materials to support production schedules.
Position Overview
As the Purchasing Manager, you will be responsible for negotiating supplier agreements, sourcing materials (primarily from domestic suppliers), and tracking market trends to optimize purchasing strategies. You will collaborate closely with operations to ensure production timelines are met and that supplier performance meets quality and delivery standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships, including negotiating terms and agreements.
- Research and evaluate potential new vendors and analyze market pricing trends.
- Review and manage open orders, identifying potential impacts to production and delivery schedules.
- Communicate supplier delays and options for expediting with stakeholders.
- Track purchase order statuses and report updates to operations and leadership.
- Lead supplier performance evaluations, including scorecards and corrective actions.
- Develop sourcing strategies in collaboration with senior purchasing leadership based on market trends.
- Schedule regular open order review meetings with suppliers to ensure timely delivery.
- Maintain accurate purchasing and inventory data, updating parameters based on analysis.
Qualifications
- Strong negotiation, decision-making, and organizational skills.
- Proven experience in purchasing and planning within a manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ERP systems (Epicor Kinetic preferred).
- Knowledge of Pareto Charts and Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.
- Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships for long-term success.
This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic and detail-oriented professional to join a financially secure organization with significant growth potential.
2nd Shift Welding Supervisor
Location: Milwaukee, WI
2nd Shift Weld Supervisor
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Compensation: $30–$35/hour plus overtime (annual earnings potential over $100K)
We are seeking a skilled 2nd Shift Weld Supervisor to lead a team of MIG welders and fabricators in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for overseeing production activities, ensuring quality standards, and maintaining a safe and efficient workplace.
Position Overview
The Weld Supervisor will coordinate daily shop floor activities, assign tasks, train staff, and ensure welding projects meet engineering and customer specifications. This position plays a key role in maintaining production schedules and supporting the company’s commitment to quality and safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and coordinate daily activities of MIG welders and fabricators.
- Delegate work assignments based on production priorities.
- Train, coach, and motivate employees to meet manufacturing goals.
- Assist with welding and fabrication tasks when necessary.
- Inspect products and equipment for defects or malfunctions.
- Communicate process changes and updates to the team.
- Maintain a safe work environment and ensure compliance with safety procedures.
Qualifications
- Minimum 4 years of shop floor manufacturing experience.
- Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints.
- Proficient in measuring, comparing, and making shop calculations to ensure compliance with specifications.
- Experience troubleshooting and problem-solving in a manufacturing setting.
- Background working with steel preferred.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a team.
- High attention to detail to meet strict quality standards.
This is a great opportunity for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and is ready to take ownership of production success.
Industrial Paint Supervisor - 2nd Shift
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Industrial Paint Supervisor – 2nd Shift
Location: West Allis, WI
Compensation: $30–$35/hour plus overtime (annual earnings potential over $100K)
We are seeking an experienced Industrial Paint Supervisor to lead 2nd shift production activities in a busy manufacturing environment. This position oversees multiple departments, ensuring workflow efficiency, quality standards, and adherence to production schedules.
Position Overview
The Industrial Paint Supervisor will work closely with the Production Manager to coordinate daily activities, manage personnel, and ensure jobs are completed on time, to specification, and with minimal waste. This hands-on leadership role requires strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and delegate daily activities to shift personnel across multiple departments.
- Review specifications, blueprints, and job orders to assign tasks appropriately.
- Plan and organize workflow to meet production schedules and adjust as necessary.
- Monitor quality and make process adjustments to maintain standards.
- Troubleshoot and resolve production issues as they arise.
- Train, mentor, and motivate team members to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
- Ensure proper operation and maintenance of production equipment.
- Promote and maintain a safe work environment for all employees.
- Manage raw materials effectively to reduce waste.
- Communicate schedules, changes, and updates across all levels of the organization.
- Inspect products and equipment for defects or malfunctions.
Qualifications
- 3–5 years of manufacturing experience.
- At least 2 years of supervisory experience.
- Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred (not required).
- Welding experience helpful but not required.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Proficient in reading and interpreting safety rules, procedure manuals, and technical documents.
- Ability to perform basic math (whole numbers, fractions, decimals).
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks such as bending, twisting, and climbing ladders.
- Willingness to work 40–50 hours per week on 2nd shift.
This is a great opportunity for a hands-on leader ready to take ownership of production quality and workflow efficiency in a growing manufacturing operation.