Head of Operations - North America - Chicago

Page Executive; North America, Nottingham; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A leading global manufacturer is seeking a Head of Operations for North America (Chief Operating Officer) in the Chicago area. The role involves overseeing multi-plant operations, driving operational excellence, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in engineering and operations management, with a strong focus on lean principles and process improvement. Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and relocation assistance provided if necessary.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Bonus

Long term incentive

Company car allowance - $1,000 per month

Vacation and holidays

Full benefits

401K

Relocation assistance if needed

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in engineering, operations, and manufacturing.
• Proven experience in driving Continuous Improvement, Lean, EHS, and sustainability at a corporate level.
• Experience within a complex manufacturing environment such as automotive or consumer goods is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multi plant operations to ensure production efficiency and quality.
• Develop a strategy to improve operations and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to team members.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations or related

Job description

• Global Manufacturing Market Leader
• High Visibility to Global Executive Leadership

About Our Client

Our client for the Head of Operations - North America (Chief Operating Officer) opportunity is a global manufacturer with presence is over 100 countries and has a history dating back well over 100 years. They are a global market leader in their space and have patented technology and continues to invest in R&D and strategic growth within the North America region and globally.

The Head of Operations - North America (Chief Operating Officer) will report to the North America President and be responsible for the overall operations of the North America region. This person will drive overall financial performance, operational excellence, continuous improvement, program management and health and safety (EHS) and the overall strategic direction and roadmap creating scalable and sustainable processes and systems. The Director of Operations will work day to day with the Plant Managers and their supporting cast to drive daily improvements and efficiencies, however will be looking at the overall greater picture from an overall corporate level driving process improvement, lean principles, and a process driven approach. The Director of Operations will have oversight of the Plant Managers, Supply Chain, and Procurement for the region. This role is based in the Chicago, Illinois suburbs. Relocation is provided if needed.

Job Description

• Oversee multi plant operations to ensure production efficiency, quality, customer satisfaction and cost-effective management of resources managing a team of high performing operations leaders and personal
• Establish and implement safety programs in line with company values and policies.
• Responsible for day-to-day management of the business to achieve the budgeted operating profit and working capital targets, looking at the overall operating systems and efficiencies
• Streamline and improve the KPI (Key Performance Indicators) system focusing on leading indicators

• Develop a plan for the next generation capabilities while recognizing the commercial opportunities aligning to the company's strategic plan

• Work with Plant Managers, Supply Chain, and Procurement groups to improve efficiencies driving more synergy and a more consistent implementation of lean
• Lead the improvement and adherence to the Operating Model to ensure standards are being met within the sites and from a corporate level while balancing the regional goals, processes and regulations
• Review monthly financial pack to determine progress and status in obtaining objectives and revise plans as necessary in accordance with current conditions to meet the overall objectives.
• Ensure adequate resources (personnel, materials, equipment and training) are provided to meet the company objectives.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to employees.

• Promote and institutionalize the Continuous Improvement department through Kaizen to reach and empower team members to solve challenges collectively
• Develop and implement with your team a strategy to ensure corporate EHS, Quality and Sustainability systems are deployed
• Adhere to all Environmental, Health, Safety, Security Requirements covered under Local State and Federal Regulations.

• Develop and implement a three-year plan in line with the company objectives and to promote revenue, profitability, and growth as an organization

The Successful Applicant

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations or related
• 15 plus years of experience in engineering, operations, and manufacturing
• 5 years of Sr. leadership experience in operations and plant management with responsibility over multiple locations
• Proven experience driving CI - Continuous Improvement, lean, standardization, EHS, and sustainability from a corporate level
• Must have experience within a complex manufacturing environment - automotive, consumer good manufacturing, packaging, or related
• Exceptional presentation, written, and verbal communication skills
• High energy, teamwork, and passion for development team members
• High sense of urgency and able to manage multi initiatives at a given time
• Ability to influence and work cross functionally with multi groups and leaders
• Ability to travel 40-50% across North America

What's on Offer

Competitive base salary, bonus, long term incentive, company car allowance - $1,000 per month, vacation, full benefits, 401K, holidays, relocation assistance if needed.