General Manager

Location: Greater Chicago, Illinois area

A privately held global leader in the automotive and industrial fastener market is seeking an experienced General Manager to oversee a large manufacturing facility.

This is an opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives in an environment of accountability and translates strategy into measurable results on the plant floor.

The General Manager will have full P&L responsibility and oversee production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and logistics. This leader will set operational priorities while remaining visible and engaged with employees, customers, and corporate partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant operations: Oversee production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and logistics, with full responsibility for facility performance and profitability.
• Drive operational excellence: Establish and execute priorities focused on safety, quality, equipment utilization, labor efficiency, productivity, and financial results.
• Lead from the floor: Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership presence, address issues promptly, and hold teams accountable.
• Strengthen customer relationships: Build trust and credibility with Tier 1 automotive customers by consistently meeting quality, delivery, and service requirements.
• Advance continuous improvement: Implement and sustain lean manufacturing initiatives to improve productivity, reduce costs, and strengthen margins.
• Develop a high-performing team: Coach leaders and employees while promoting safety, teamwork, accountability, and engagement.
• Solve problems collaboratively: Partner across departments to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
• Represent the facility: Serve as the operational representative with customers, auditors, and corporate leadership, maintaining a thorough understanding of operations and financial performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, a technical discipline, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in plant management or manufacturing operations.
• Experience working with Tier 1 automotive customers, including meeting their operational, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Small to midsize company experience preferred.
• Fastener industry experience preferred; a background combining fastener and chemical industry experience is especially desirable.
• ERP system experience; Plex preferred.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and continuous improvement systems.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to develop a disciplined, accountable team.
• A hands-on approach and the ability to work effectively across departments, with customers, and within a global organization.

Compensation

• Base salary: Starting at $150,000, based on experience.
• Bonus: 20%, based on achieving financial targets.
• Phone allowance: $100 per month, paid through payroll.
• Car allowance: $700 per month, paid through payroll.

Benefits

Available beginning on the first day of employment:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-sponsored life and disability insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Ancillary coverage options, including accident, hospital, and critical illness insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays; calendar provided upon hire.

Additional benefits:

• 401(k) and company matching, with eligibility after 60 days of employment.
• Tuition reimbursement, with eligibility after 90 days of employment.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.