$85,000–$115,000 Per Year
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Budget Management, Business Support, Computer Skills, Construction Equipment, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Customer Escalations, Customer Support/Service, Documentation, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Equipment Rentals, Heavy Equipment/Vehicles, Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, Lifting Equipment, Logistics, Manufacturing, On Site Support, Operational Strategy, Operations, Operations Management, People Management, Performance Management, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Production Schedule, Profit & Loss, Purchasing/Procurement, Quality Control, Quality Management, Retail Management, Time Management
Job Title: Operations Manager
Location: Crest Hill, IL 60435 (Near Joliet, IL)
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $85,000 - $115,000
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including company-sponsored health insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off, and additional company-sponsored benefits.
Sterling Engineering is partnering with a construction equipment company seeking an Operations Manager to oversee daily operations at its Crest Hill facility. This hands-on leader will drive production, manage union employees, and ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable stepping in wherever the business needs support.
Responsibilities:
- Lead daily operations across manufacturing, fabrication, and equipment preparation activities
- Ensure projects are completed accurately and shipped on schedule
- Identify and resolve operational issues related to procurement, logistics, scheduling, and production bottlenecks
- Coordinate closely with field teams supporting active customer job sites
- Supervise union employees, including scheduling, time approval, performance management, and day-to-day leadership
- Oversee quality control processes, including inspections, rework activities, and documentation requirements
- Address customer concerns, escalations, and urgent operational matters as they arise
- Utilize ERP/MRP systems to support planning, tracking, and operational efficiency
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and identify opportunities to leverage modern technologies and tools
- Serve as a hands-on leader willing to support multiple functions as business needs dictate
Must-Have Qualifications:
- 5+ years of operations leadership experience within construction equipment, industrial manufacturing, or heavy equipment environments
- Previous experience managing union shop employees or a similarly structured workforce
- Demonstrated hands-on shop floor leadership experience
- Strong knowledge of ERP and/or MRP systems
- High level of computer proficiency with an openness to adopting AI and modern business tools
- Proven ability to lead across multiple functional areas and thrive in a "wear many hats" environment
- Reasonable commuting distance to Crest Hill, IL, or willingness to relocate
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous P&L ownership or budget management experience
- Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma experience
- Experience within elevator systems, hoisting equipment, specialty rental equipment, or related industries
- OSHA 30 certification or other safety-related credentials
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
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Sterling Engineering, Inc.
Sterling Engineering has been a trusted partner for engineering, project management, and staffing solutions for over five decades. We provide exceptional engineering/technical recruitment and engineering project services to clients nationwide:
- Engineering & Technical Recruitment - With our focus on engineering, technical, and IT, Sterling has the in-depth knowledge, industry expertise, and robust employee pipeline it takes to rapidly find talent for even the most difficult to fill positions. Sterling’s extensive recruitment methodology allows us to engage the most talented employees in the marketplace. We offer exciting work and career-building opportunities for our candidates, along with expert support at every step of the process.
- Engineering Project Services – Our experienced, multi-disciplined team of project managers, engineers, and designers, led by licensed Professional Engineers (PE), provide project management, engineering, design, and Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) to manufacturing, OEM, and R&D customers. We work on complex, highly technical projects across a number of industry sectors, and our ability to scale and seamlessly integrate at multiple levels of your organization is what differentiates us.
Sterling offers a unique combination of engineering solutions and Best of Staffing level service to help our clients and talent achieve their goals.
500 to 999 employees
Staffing/Employment Agencies
http://www.sterling-engineering.com