Director of Precision Manufacturing & Lean Execution

Ilocatum; Addison (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Ilocatum in the Greater Chicago Area seeks a Director of Manufacturing Operations to lead machine tool builds and custom-engineered equipment. This hands-on role reports to the General Manager, North America, and oversees scheduling, labor planning, and facility expansion to two shifts while maintaining schedule integrity.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of manufacturing leadership, strong Lean/GMP-like practices, ERP/MRP experience, and a track record in small to mid-size shops.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing and operations leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering/operations/manufacturing/business.
• Experience leading in small to mid-size shops (roughly 10–75 on the floor).

Responsibilities

• Oversee manufacturing operations including machining, assembly, production planning, inventory control, logistics, and facilities.
• Own production scheduling, labor planning, and material availability for custom builds and NPI.
• Lead facility transition, shift expansion, and staffing.
• Ensure quality, lean, and financial performance including P&L and budgets.
• Develop the operations team and safety culture.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Production scheduling

Labor planning

Lean Manufacturing

5S

Six Sigma

ERP/MRP systems

Inventory management

Manufacturing financials

Organizational development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations/Manufacturing/Business

Tools

CNC machining understanding

Job description

Ilocatum in the Greater Chicago Area seeks a Director of Manufacturing Operations to lead machine tool builds and custom-engineered equipment. This hands-on role reports to the General Manager, North America, and oversees scheduling, labor planning, and facility expansion to two shifts while maintaining schedule integrity.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of manufacturing leadership, strong Lean/GMP-like practices, ERP/MRP experience, and a track record in small to mid-size shops.