Operations Manager

Sterling Engineering; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in Elmhurst, IL seeks an Operations Manager to lead inventory and warehouse operations across multiple facilities. You will build and coach a 10+ person team, optimize inventory accuracy, and drive efficient material flow to support production and customer shipments.

The role emphasizes day-to-day leadership with strategic planning and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Occasional weekend inventory work may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, logistics, warehouse management, or project management.
• Proven experience leading a team.
• Strong skills in process improvement and strategic planning.
• Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration.
• Proficiency with Excel and ERP systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 10+ inventory and warehouse employees.
• Oversee inventory receiving, labeling, storage, FIFO, and material picking for production.
• Ensure accurate and timely shipment of finished products and service parts to customers.
• Improve inventory accuracy, warehouse processes, and operational efficiency as the business grows.
• Manage warehouse layout and facility improvement projects, including space planning and equipment purchases.
• Oversee cycle counting and ensure accurate inventory records within the ERP system.
• Establish daily priorities and coordinate team activities to meet production needs.
• Collaborate with production leadership and internal departments to maintain efficient operations.
• Promote safe equipment operation (forklifts, order pickers, etc.).
• Support occasional Saturday work for physical inventory counts and special projects.

Skills

Team leadership

Inventory management

ERP systems

Process improvement

Project management

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Operations Manager - Inventory & Warehouse Operations

Position Type: Direct Hire

About the Opportunity

Are you a hands-on operations leader who enjoys building strong teams, improving processes, and keeping inventory operations running smoothly? We're seeking an Operations Manager to lead inventory and warehouse operations for a growing, custom manufacturing organization.

In this role, you'll oversee a team of 10+ employees across multiple nearby facilities, ensuring inventory accuracy, efficient material flow, and timely support for production and customer shipments. You'll also lead projects focused on improving warehouse layouts, technology, and operational processes.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who can balance day-to-day leadership with strategic planning and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 10+ inventory and warehouse employees.
• Oversee inventory receiving, labeling, storage, FIFO practices, and material picking for production.
• Ensure accurate and timely shipment of finished products and service parts to customers.
• Improve inventory accuracy, warehouse processes, and operational efficiency as the business grows.
• Manage warehouse layout and facility improvement projects, including space planning, equipment purchasing, and resource coordination.
• Oversee cycle counting and ensure accurate inventory records within the ERP system.
• Establish daily priorities and coordinate team activities to meet production and business needs.
• Collaborate with production leadership and internal departments to maintain efficient operations.
• Promote safe equipment operation, including forklifts, order pickers, and other material-handling equipment.
• Support occasional Saturday work for physical inventory counts, facility changes, and special projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, logistics, warehouse management, or project management.
• Previous experience leading and developing a team.
• Strong skills in process improvement, strategic planning, problem-solving, and project management.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.