Regional Plant Operations Manager - Manufacturing

Itape; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

IPG is seeking a results-driven Regional Operations Manager to lead operations across three manufacturing sites in the Chicago area. This role provides strategic and operational leadership, focusing on safety, efficiency, and accountability while aligning regional objectives with the business.

You will partner with Plant Managers and business leaders to drive productivity, cost optimization, and standardized systems, including IPG Performance System, across sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience driving operational excellence with Lean, TPS, or similar.
• Strong background in safety leadership and process discipline.
• Experience leading multi-site operations and geographically dispersed teams.
• Proven ability to influence leaders, develop teams, and drive accountability.
• Strong financial acumen, including P&L management.
• Experience in unionized environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute regional strategy to achieve operational, financial, and safety objectives
• Drive productivity improvements, cost optimization, and waste reduction initiatives across all sites
• Champion world-class safety standards and ensure compliance with regulatory and company requirements
• Partner with Plant Managers and business leaders to resolve operational challenges and optimize performance
• Oversee staffing strategy, organizational effectiveness, and succession planning for the region
• Lead the implementation of standardized systems, including lean manufacturing and performance systems (e.g., IPG Performance System)
• Monitor financial performance, including P&L, and ensure alignment with budget targets
• Analyze and drive improvements using key operational metrics and KPIs
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across all sites
• Ensure consistent execution of company policies, procedures, and operational standards

Skills

Operations leadership

Lean manufacturing

Safety leadership

P&L management

Multi-site leadership

Change management

Strategic thinking

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Regional Operations Manager – Protective Packaging

Location: Chicago, IL

Oversight: Chicago IL, Toronto, ON, Carlstadt, NJ

About the Role

IPG is seeking a results-driven Regional Operations Manager to lead operations across a portion of our Protective Packaging division. This role will provide strategic and operational leadership across three manufacturing sites and drive performance through strong safety practices, disciplined processes, and continuous improvement.

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for aligning regional operations with business objectives while fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute regional strategy to achieve operational, financial, and safety objectives
• Drive productivity improvements, cost optimization, and waste reduction initiatives across all sites
• Champion world-class safety standards and ensure compliance with regulatory and company requirements
• Partner with Plant Managers and business leaders to resolve operational challenges and optimize performance
• Oversee staffing strategy, organizational effectiveness, and succession planning for the region
• Lead the implementation of standardized systems, including lean manufacturing and performance systems (e.g., IPG Performance System)
• Monitor financial performance, including P&L, and ensure alignment with budget targets
• Analyze and drive improvements using key operational metrics and KPIs
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across all sites
• Ensure consistent execution of company policies, procedures, and operational standards

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field
• experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience driving operational excellence and performance systems (Lean, TPS, or similar)
• Strong background in safety leadership and process discipline
• Experience leading multi-site operations and geographically dispersed teams
• Proven ability to influence leaders, develop teams, and drive accountability
• Strong financial acumen, including P&L management
• Experience in unionized environments is a plus

What Sets You Apart

• You bring operational rigor from organizations known for best-in-class safety and disciplined processes
• You are a strategic thinker who can translate vision into execution across multiple sites
• You thrive in complex environments and excel at aligning teams toward common goals
• You are comfortable challenging the status quo and driving measurable change