Location: Chicago, IL
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead a custom manufacturing operation specializing in commercial metal doors and frames. This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for driving operational excellence across production, engineering support, inventory management, safety, maintenance, quality, and workforce development.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in custom or made-to-order manufacturing environments, where production schedules, customer requirements, and workflow management require a high degree of technical expertise and operational discipline.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead all plant operations with full accountability for safety, quality, productivity, delivery performance, inventory, and cost control.
- Direct multiple departments through supervisors and team leads while developing a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Partner closely with Sales, Engineering, Production, and Customer Service teams to ensure customer requirements are translated into achievable production schedules.
- Develop and execute capacity planning strategies to meet monthly and annual production and shipping goals.
- Analyze workflow, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements to maximize efficiency and throughput.
- Oversee production scheduling, material planning, and inventory management to ensure on-time customer delivery.
- Drive safety initiatives and maintain compliance with all company and regulatory requirements.
- Establish performance metrics and monitor operational KPIs including productivity, quality, scrap, labor efficiency, and on-time delivery.
- Manage plant maintenance activities and implement preventative maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability.
- Collaborate with Human Resources on employee relations, corrective action, and organizational development initiatives.
- Prepare and analyze operational reports, production forecasts, and performance metrics for senior leadership.
Required Qualifications:
- 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience in an Operations Manager, Plant Manager, Production Manager, or similar role.
- Demonstrated success leading teams in a custom, engineered-to-order, or made-to-order manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, inventory control, and capacity management.
- Experience managing multiple departments and leading through supervisors and team leaders.
- Proven ability to improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiency.
- Experience implementing and maintaining safety programs in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and production reporting systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field.
- Experience within the commercial metal door, hollow metal, architectural products, fabrication, metalworking, or related manufacturing industries.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, or Continuous Improvement experience.
- Maintenance, fabrication, welding, machining, or metal forming experience.
- ERP/MRP system experience.
What We're Looking For
This position requires a leader who can thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while balancing customer expectations, operational efficiency, and employee development. The successful candidate will possess both the technical manufacturing knowledge and leadership capabilities necessary to drive plant performance and support future growth.
Company Paid:
Life Insurance, STD, and LTD
3 weeks PTO
9 paid holidays in 2026
Parental Leave
Additional Benefits:
401k with company match
Medical, dental, vision
Employee Discount Programs
Miscellaneous other optional benefits
Career development and tuition assistance
Diverse, inclusive and welcoming culture
**Please no Third-party candidates or phone calls**