Head of Manufacturing Operations (Multi-Site)

Illinois Tool Works Inc.; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

ITW Mechanical Fastening, a division of ITW Construction Products, seeks a seasoned Operations Director to lead manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and engineering across five Chicago-area locations. You will drive growth, optimize cost, and ensure high-quality delivery while advancing ITW’s business model and safety culture.

The role requires 15+ years of leadership in complex manufacturing, a strong financial acumen, and a track record of building high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive operations leadership experience in complex manufacturing environments, including multi-site responsibility.
• Proven success leading manufacturing, supply chain, quality, engineering, warehousing, and safety functions while delivering strong business and financial results.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute operational strategies that drive growth, productivity, customer service, and margin improvement.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including experience managing budgets, capital investments, cost reduction, and operational performance metrics.
• Proven track record of building high-performing teams, developing leaders, and driving organizational capability through coaching and succession planning.
• Experience leading supply chain optimization, supplier quality improvement, and large-scale operational or business transformation initiatives.
• Strong change management, project management, and cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to influence and drive results across organizational boundaries.
• Deep commitment to safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement, with experience relevant operating disciplines.
• Excellent communication and executive presence, with the ability to effectively engage employees, customers, suppliers, and senior leadership.
• Willingness to travel regularly to operating locations, with occasional international travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that ensure safe, efficient operations and consistent delivery of high-quality products.
• Establish and monitor key performance metrics to drive continuous improvement and exceed operational targets.
• Lead cross-functional quality initiatives, strengthen supplier accountability, and improve supplier and end-of-line quality performance.
• Oversee capital planning and execute operational CAPEX projects that enhance productivity, capacity, and growth.
• Partner with segment sourcing and supply chain teams to optimize supply chain and distribution performance.
• Drive productivity improvements and cost reductions through the application of the ITW Toolbox and continuous improvement principles.
• Manage supply chain performance through strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, inventory optimization, and transportation cost control.
• Improve conversion costs by reducing waste, scrap, rework, and other operational inefficiencies.
• Enhance delivery performance and inventory optimization through MRD practices across manufactured and purchased products.
• Drive collaboration with engineering, marketing, and sourcing teams to ensure successful new product introductions on time and on cost.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.
• Foster a high-performance culture through effective communication, employee engagement, coaching, and leadership development.
• Build organizational capability by developing Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain leaders and driving succession planning.
• Champion a world-class safety culture through proactive risk identification, mitigation, and employee accountability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job description

ITW Mechanical Fastening, a division of ITW Construction Products, seeks a seasoned Operations Director to lead manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and engineering across five Chicago-area locations. You will drive growth, optimize cost, and ensure high-quality delivery while advancing ITW’s business model and safety culture.

The role requires 15+ years of leadership in complex manufacturing, a strong financial acumen, and a track record of building high-performing teams.