Operations Manager

TekPro; Wheeling (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Employee benefits package

Job summary

TekPro is partnering with a growing precision machining manufacturer to hire an Operations Manager for its Wheeling, IL plant. The role oversees daily manufacturing execution, safety, quality, and delivery in a high-mix environment, with direct impact on throughput and customer satisfaction.

You'll lead production supervisors and shop-floor teams, coordinate staffing and capacity across CNC milling and turning, and drive continuous improvement using Lean and ERP/MRP systems.

Qualifications

• Experience leading production or operations in precision machining.
• Knowledge of milling and turning workflows and tooling.
• Experience with ERP/MRP and Lean methods.
• Proven ability to manage people, schedules, and performance in manufacturing.
• Ability to read operational data and identify bottlenecks; drive practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily manufacturing execution with ownership of safety, quality, delivery, and throughput.
• Lead production supervisors and shop-floor teams with clear priorities and accountability.
• Staff and capacity planning across CNC milling, turning, and related operations.
• Oversee schedule execution in a high-mix environment; address constraints early.
• Coordinate cross-functional problem solving with Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Maintenance.
• Drive improvements in setup time, workflow, scrap, rework, and machine utilization.
• Establish consistent operating routines and robust corrective actions.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

CNC contract manufacturing

Production scheduling

Lean/CI

Team development

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Wheeling, IL | $130,000–$160,000 base salary | Full-time, direct hire

TekPro is a direct-hire recruiting firm specializing in manufacturing and technical talent. We’re partnering with a growing precision machining manufacturer to hire an Operations Manager for its Wheeling plant.

The company produces complex, close-tolerance components for aerospace and medical customers and is part of a broader precision manufacturing group. This is an opportunity to lead in a technically demanding shop, work closely with engineering and quality, and make a visible impact as the business grows.

We’re looking for someone who understands CNC contract manufacturing and can turn a production plan into dependable execution. Strong supervisors and production managers ready for broader responsibility will also be considered.

What You’ll Lead

• Daily manufacturing execution, with ownership of safety, quality, delivery, labor utilization, and throughput.
• Production supervisors and shop-floor teams, with clear priorities, coaching, and accountability.
• Staffing and capacity planning across CNC milling, turning, and related production operations.
• Schedule execution in a high-mix environment, addressing constraints before they become missed deliveries.
• Cross-functional problem solving with Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Maintenance.
• Improvements in setup time, workflow, scrap, rework, and machine utilization.
• Consistent operating routines, performance reporting, and follow-through on corrective actions.
• Team development and standard work that support growth without sacrificing process discipline.

What We’re Looking For

• Production or operations leadership in precision machining or CNC contract manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of milling, turning, machining workflows, tooling, and production constraints.
• Experience managing people, schedules, and performance in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read operational data, identify the real bottleneck, and get the team moving on a practical solution.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Lean or continuous improvement methods.
• Aerospace, medical, or other regulated manufacturing experience is valuable.
• A visible leadership style with clear expectations and respect for the people doing the work.

Why This Role

• Complex machining work for customers with demanding technical requirements.
• Plant-level responsibility with direct access to the people making operating decisions.
• The resources and broader career possibilities of a growing manufacturing group.
• A chance to build stronger teams and processes, with results that are visible on the floor.

Base salary of $130,000–$160,000, based on experience. The client offers an employee benefits package and a 401(k) with company match. TekPro will review current plan details and eligibility during the recruiting process.