Director of Operations

Xenon arc; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Xenon arc, a Chicago-area operations partner, seeks a senior operations leader to shape strategic initiatives and drive execution across inventory management and warehouse functions. You will guide Materials Managers and Specialists, enforce processes, and partner with vendors to optimize working capital and service levels.

Lead a cross-functional team, manage budgets, and mentor staff while upholding compliance and scalable practices to support growth and transformation across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, or Supply Chain with relevant work experience in a technical field.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Senior Vice President of Operations to develop and execute operational strategies, drive business objectives, and support long-term organizational growth.
• Lead and oversee daily operational activities of Materials Managers and Operations Specialists to ensure efficiency, productivity, and seamless execution of inventory management responsibilities.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate operational processes and procedures to identify opportunities for improvement, implement best practices, and align operations with organizational goals.
• Optimize the deployment of working capital to maximize revenue while reducing holding costs, defining stocking, planning, reservation and obsolescence avoidance strategies.
• Advocate for the customer experience by implementing initiatives that increase on-time performance and reduce stock-outs.
• Manage warehouse and freight budgets, analyze costs, and implement measures to improve net margin.
• Develop, revise, and enforce policies, procedures, and operational standards to promote consistency, efficiency, and compliance.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with vendors, suppliers, and external partners, negotiating agreements that deliver value and support business objectives.
• Monitor organizational performance through data analysis, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational metrics, driving informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies, mitigating operational risks and maintaining organizational integrity.
• Lead cross-departmental initiatives and change management efforts to support business transformation, scalability, and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Performance metrics

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Strategic planning

People management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Admin/Management or Supply Chain

Tools

MS Office

ERP

CRM

Job description

At Xenon arc, we’re transforming how producers connect with their customers.

We partner with leading companies—ranging from industrial chemical manufacturers to global food ingredient providers—to solve complex challenges in reaching and serving hard-to-access markets. By acting as an extension of our clients' brands, we help them grow sales, optimize operations, and embrace digital transformation.

Our teams bring technical expertise, innovative digital tools, and a customer-focused approach to drive exceptional results. We don’t just distribute products—we create solutions that strengthen client-customer relationships and build lasting success.

Reports to

SVP Operations

Main areas of responsibility:

• Partner with the Senior Vice President of Operations to develop and execute operational strategies, drive business objectives, and support long-term organizational growth.
• Lead and oversee daily operational activities of Materials Managers and Operations Specialists to ensure efficiency, productivity, and seamless execution of inventory management responsibilities.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate operational processes and procedures to identify opportunities for improvement, implement best practices, and align operations with organizational goals.
• Optimize the deployment of working capital to maximize revenue while reducing holding costs, defining stocking, planning, reservation and obsolescence avoidance strategies.
• Advocate for the customer experience by implementing initiatives that increase on-time performance and reduce stock-outs.
• Manage warehouse and freight budgets, analyze costs, and implement measures to improve net margin.
• Develop, revise, and enforce policies, procedures, and operational standards to promote consistency, efficiency, and compliance.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with vendors, suppliers, and external partners, negotiating agreements that deliver value and support business objectives.
• Monitor organizational performance through data analysis, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational metrics, driving informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies, mitigating operational risks and maintaining organizational integrity.
• Lead cross-departmental initiatives and change management efforts to support business transformation, scalability, and operational excellence.

Basic Qualifications:

• Completed Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, or Supply Chain with relevant work experience in a technical field
• Proven experience as Leader of Operations or equivalent position
• Excellent organizational and leadership abilities
• Outstanding communication and people skills
• Knowledge of industry’s regulatory and compliance guidelines
• In depth knowledge of diverse business functions and principles (e.g. supply chain, finance, customer service etc.)
• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics
• Familiarity with MS Office and various business software (e.g. ERP, CRM)
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across internal and external organizations
• Willingness to travel (up to 30%)

Preferred Level of Experience

3 years experience leading a team, 7 years of work experience, depending on need, prior role & responsibilities

Location & Commitments

• Full-time, permanent
• Report to office in Rosemont, IL or Bellevue, WA
• Work Schedule: 4 days in office, 1 day remote

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

It is the policy of Xenon arc to grant equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, marital status, parental status, disability, veteran status, age, religion, political affiliation, gender, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. It is the intent and desire of Xenon arc that equal employment opportunity will be provided in all phases of the employment relationship.