Operations Director

ITW; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

ITW Construction is seeking an Operations Director to oversee manufacturing, supply chain, sourcing, safety and quality across two sites (Libertyville, IL and Pontotoc, MS). You will set robust manufacturing plans, monitor KPIs, and drive improvements to deliver quality products on time while maintaining profitability.

You will lead cross-functional teams, manage CAPEX, and collaborate with global divisions to optimize the supply chain, inventory, and delivery.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years building and leading high-performing teams.
• Proven track record in improving operational and financial metrics.
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and process optimization.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Knowledge of OSHA and regulatory requirements.
• Willingness to travel regularly.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust manufacturing plans to maintain high product quality.
• Define KPIs and monitor performance to exceed targets.
• Lead quality, manufacturing, and supply chain operations for two sites.
• Manage CAPEX projects and capital investments.
• Collaborate with global divisions to optimize supply chain and distribution.
• Drive cost reductions through productivity improvements and waste reduction.
• Coach and develop Plant, Quality, and Supply Chain leaders.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Continuous improvement

Talent development

Influence without authority

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering / Supply Chain / Operations

Masters or MBA preferred

Job description

Company Description

ITW’s products and solutions are at work all over the world - in deep-sea oil rigs, aerospace technology, bridges and wind turbines, healthcare, the spaces in which we live and work, the cars we drive, and the mobile devices we rely on. You are never, whether you know it or not, more than a few steps from an innovative ITW solution. In the words of a Mal Pancoast quote, at ITW, "You get paid to impact the world."

ITW Construction provides a variety of fastening systems and truss products for the commercial, residential, and remodeling/renovation segments. With products manufactured at locations around the globe serving markets in North America, Europe, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. The Global Tool Unit (GTU) is a part of ITW’s Construction Segment. The GTU innovates, develops, and manufactures best-in-class Power Fastening Systems for the global construction market. Our highly differentiated tools are specified to be used in a variety of applications including wood framing, wood trim, and steel to concrete installations.

Job Description

The Operations Director is responsible for manufacturing, supply chain, sourcing, safety and quality for two sites. The role drives key plant performance metrics to ensures timely delivery of a quality product, in quantities that meet demand from the divisions and at a cost that insures profitability and growth consistent with ITW objectives. The following functions will report into this position- Quality, 2 Manufacturing plants, Continuous Improvement, Sourcing and Standard Products.

• Develop robust manufacturing plans to establish procedures for maintaining high standards of manufacturing operations to ensure that products conform to established customer and company quality standards. (Manufacturing locations are Libertyville, IL, Pontotoc, MS)
• Define key performance metrics and monitor performance to exceed KPI targets.
• Manage cross-functional quality improvement activities with Quality and Assembly teams, ensuring supplier accountability for upstream quality, reducing defects and production interruptions, and achieving established supplier PPM and end-of-line quality objectives.
• Ensure compliance with company needs for capital investments and improvement projects and execute on all operational CAPEX projects.
• Collaborate across the segment by working with the global divisions to implement strategies and action plans that deliver the most efficient and effective supply chain and distribution.
• Consistently reduces costs through productivity gains.
• Manage supply chain delivery performance by developing supplier stocking agreements, driving strategic supplier selection, controlling transportation costs through reduced air freight utilization, and maintaining inventory levels within agreed minimum and maximum thresholds.
• Apply the ITW toolbox to identify, recommend and implement changes to improve conversion costs through productivity, cost, scrap and rework reduction.
• Increase quality of practice of MRD in manufactured and purchased products to achieve excellent delivery service while optimizing inventory levels.
• Closely collaborate with engineering, marketing and sourcing teams to ensure proper launch of new products with the expected cost and timing.
• Manage compliance with state and federal regulations and company standards.
• Provide leadership for employee relations through effective communications, coaching, training and development.
• Drive talent development across the Operations organization by coaching and developing Plant, Quality, and Supply Chain leaders, expanding leadership responsibilities, and implementing succession and development plans.
• Develop and sustain a high-performance safety culture by leading hazard identification and mitigation efforts across Assembly, Maintenance, and Continuous Improvement functions, while driving employee engagement and accountability for workplace safety.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree – Preferably in Engineering, Supply Chain or Operations, Preferred Mechanical Engineer and Masters or MBA.
• 10+ years of related experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven business results of improving operational performance and key financial metrics
• 5+ years of building, leading, and developing high-performing teams in a complex manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success in talent management, succession planning, and leadership development, with the ability to build a strong pipeline of future operational leaders.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive business results without direct authority across divisional, customer, and organizational boundaries.
• Proven ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement by engaging and empowering employees at all levels to identify opportunities and implement best practices.
• Demonstrate project management experience.
• Working knowledge of local and federal governmental requirements (OSHA)
• Position requires regular travel.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, within typical office working conditions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles, climate variances and moving mechanical equipment typically found in a manufacturing environment. The noise level in the work environment (office) is usually low, but much higher when exposed to the manufacturing areas. Certain personal protective equipment is required when in the manufacturing areas. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Compensation Information

Compensation Transparency

The salary range for this position is$150,000-$165,000 annually. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. The company considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.