Operations Manager

Illinois Tool Works; Appleton (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Paid time off

Insurance—Life/AD&D/Disability

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

ITW Welding in Appleton, WI is seeking an Operations Manager to drive safety, quality, productivity, delivery and continuous improvement across multiple manufacturing sites. You will lead production leaders, manage supplier partnerships, set short- and long-term goals, prepare budgets, and collaborate with supply chain to improve cost competitiveness and scalability.

This role requires enterprise-minded leadership, strong communication, and a track record of delivering measurable results in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering or similar field.
• 7–10 years of relevant manufacturing management experience including leading production/direct labor.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for improvement, facilitate change, and develop innovative solutions.
• Proven ability to independently lead cross-functional improvements and deliver measurable results.
• Knowledge of ITW Toolbox, Lean, Six Sigma, Visual Management, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Kaizen, Poke Yoke.

Responsibilities

• Manages a team of production leaders and drives plans to improve safety, quality, labor efficiency, and inventory.
• Strengthens relationships with contract manufacturers and key suppliers for automation systems.
• Sets short- and long-term operational objectives and develops plans to meet production and business goals, including budgets and capital needs.
• Reviews and approves budget proposals and submits budgets for areas.
• Uses sales, inventory metrics and forecasts to create robust operational plans.
• Partners with supply chain on strategic sourcing to improve continuity, cost competitiveness and scalability.
• Hires, develops and retains a diverse team and supports career development.
• Communicates plans, priorities and performance to employees and stakeholders.
• Fosters accountability, engagement, inclusion and continuous improvement while building a flexible workforce.
• Collaborates with cross-divisional teams to share best practices and drive growth.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Excellence

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Value Stream Mapping

Kaizen

Poka Yoke

Budgeting

Cross-functional Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management/Supply Chain/Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager will be responsible for driving results in key areas of safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and continuous improvement for the Industrial Equipment and Automation division. This position will have responsibility for multiple manufacturing operations in Appleton and partnerships with equipment contract manufacturers in US locations. The role requires a strong, enterprise-minded leader who will further develop a safety-first culture, strengthen the ITW Toolbox operations strategy, build a diverse talent pipeline, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across internal operations, key suppliers, and contract manufacturers.

Responsibilities include

• Manages a team of production leaders and supports the development and execution of plans to improve safety, quality, labor efficiency, and inventory improvements.




• Manages and strengthens relationships with contract manufacturers and key suppliers for automation systems.




• Establishes short- and long-term operational objectives and develops plans to achieve production and business goals, including budget and capital requirements.




• Reviews, revises, and approves budget proposals from direct reports and submits budgets for assigned areas in accordance with established procedures.




• Uses sales, inventory metrics, and forecasts to create robust operational plans




• Partners with supply chain on strategic sourcing initiatives that improve supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and operations scalability.

• Hires, develops, and retains a diverse team while building a strong talent pipeline and supporting career development.




• Communicates company and department plans, priorities, and performance progress to employees and key stakeholders




• Fosters a culture of accountability, engagement, inclusion, and continuous improvement while developing a flexible, responsive workforce.




• Collaborates with cross-divisional teams to identify best practices and leverage shared operational capabilities and overall business growth

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree: Operations Management, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or similar field required.




• Minimum of 7-10 years of relevant and progressive manufacturing management experience including leading production/direct labor




• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for improvement, facilitate change, and develop innovative solutions to improve workflows and processes within the ITW Business Model.




• Proven ability to independently lead cross-functional improvements, apply analytical and root cause problem-solving skills, and deliver measurable results




• Understands a variety of operational excellence competencies including but not limited to: ITW Toolbox, Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, Visual Management, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Kaizen, Poke Yoke, etc.




• Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external business partners and executive-level leaders, influence without authority, and effectively manage stakeholder expectations.




• Exceptional written and verbal communication/presentation skills with a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.




• Ability to travel up to 20% since some direct reports and equipment contract manufacturers are in other locations (Tennessee, California, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading leaders with direct reports




• P&L experience, including inventory management, budgeting, and planning capabilities




• Previous ERP experience strongly preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership skills: leads both people and change effectively




• Result-driven, accountability focused – holds self and others responsible for delivering results and modeling ITW Leadership Expectations




• Strategic Vision – ability to progressively lead an organization towards the achievement of short and long-term strategic objectives, anticipating future change implications and impacts




• Strong business acumen paired with enterprise-first mindset (across all functional areas and the ITW Welding segment) – proactively collaborates to solve problems effectively across all levels

Why ITW Welding?

Join a collaborative and growth-focused team where your expertise will directly impact the company’s financial health and operational success. We value innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Here’s what we offer to help you build the future you want

• Generous Retirement Benefits – 401(k) match PLUS an additional retirement contribution to help you plan for the future.

• Paid Time Off – 11 paid holidays, 5 sick days, and vacation time to take time for what matters.

• Company-Paid Insurance – Life, AD&D, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability insurance to give you peace of mind.

• Family-Friendly Benefits – 4 weeks of paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement to support your family journey.

• Education Assistance – tuition reimbursement because we believe in investing in your personal and professional development.

At ITW Welding, we’re not just a place to work – we’re a community that empowers you to grow and make a real impact. Join us and build a career that makes a difference!

Company Description

Comprised of a market-leading portfolio of best-in-class brands, the businesses of ITW Welding work together to provide premium performance delivered through a breadth of solutions encompassing welding, cutting, consumables, and accessories. ITW Welding North America represents Miller Electric Welding Equipment, Safety & Accessories, Hobart Filler Metals, and Bernard / Tregaskiss MIG Guns.

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and wholly owned byIllinois Tool Works(NYSE: ITW). The company maintains its industry leadership by setting the standard for reliability, quality and responsiveness. Our tagline, \"The Power of Blue®,\" is inspired by the blue color of Miller equipment.

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.

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.