Operations Manager

Jobtailor; Carol Stream (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in United States (Illinois) seeks an experienced manufacturing leader to drive daily operations, plan production, and coach frontline teams. You will champion Lean, Kaizen, and continuous improvement while ensuring safety, quality, and on-time delivery across coupling production, fabrication, and distribution activities.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, strong communication, and the ability to build credible relationships with unionized workforces.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of leadership in manufacturing/industrial settings.
• Proven ability to drive lean initiatives and operational results.
• Experience with production planning, scheduling, and metrics.
• Strong communication and coaching skills.
• Hands-on, visible leadership style; union environment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct and support manufacturing, production, and distribution operations on the shop floor.
• Plan, direct, and oversee daily manufacturing to meet safety, quality, and delivery goals.
• Lead and develop frontline leaders and employees through coaching and training.
• Maintain hands-on leadership presence on the floor and drive performance.
• Oversee production planning and scheduling to optimize workflow and labor use.
• Monitor results and implement corrective actions and continuous improvements.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and employee involvement initiatives.
• Foster positive relations in a union environment and partner with other functions to meet commitments.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality and customer experience; perform other duties.
• Contribute to a safe and harmonious working environment; ensure policy compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen

Employee development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Engineering/Operations Management/Business

Tools

ERP systems

Production management tools

Job description

Responsibilities

• Provide direction and support across manufacturing, production, and distribution operations while maintaining a visible presence on the shop floor.


• Plan, direct, and oversee daily manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery goals.


• Lead, coach, and develop frontline leaders and employees through communication, training, performance management, and employee engagement.


• Maintain a highly visible presence on the manufacturing floor, leading by example in a hands‑on, player‑coach capacity.


• Oversee production planning and scheduling to optimize workflow, labor utilization, and operational performance.


• Monitor operational results, identify improvement opportunities, and implement corrective actions when needed.


• Drive continuous improvement through Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and employee involvement initiatives.


• Foster positive employee relations and build strong working relationships within a union environment.


• Partner with Customer Service, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other business functions to support customer commitments and on‑time delivery.


• Identify opportunities to improve quality, productivity, and the overall customer experience.


• Perform other duties as assigned.


• Participate in creating a safe and harmonious working environment.


• Assure compliance with federal, state, local and corporate policies, regulations, AADG programs and policies and the ASSA ABLOY Code of Conduct.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience will also be considered


• 5+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing, production, fabrication, or industrial environment


• Proven ability to lead teams, develop employees, and drive operational results


• Experience with production planning, scheduling, workforce management, and performance metrics


• Demonstrated success driving Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, continuous improvement, or operational excellence initiatives


• Strong communication, coaching, and employee relations skills


• Ability to build credibility through a visible, approachable, and hands‑on leadership style


• Proficiency with ERP systems and other production management tools


• Experience in a unionized manufacturing environment preferred


• Experience in metal fabrication, custom manufacturing, engineered products, or similar industrial environments preferred


• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings preferred


• Knowledge of commercial doors, frames, hardware, or the construction industry is a plus

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives while effectively leading teams in a manufacturing environment. Proficient in production planning, scheduling, and workforce management to drive operational excellence and enhance employee engagement.