Operations Manager

Company Summary

We are a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of high-quality sheet metal fabrication machinery. We offer one of the most complete lines of fabrication equipment you will find in the US. As a family-owned company, we emphasize precision, durability, long service life, and customer-focused solutions. With a proud legacy of craftsmanship, supportive culture, and many long-tenured employees (some 30–50+ years), the company values integrity, loyalty, collaboration, and flexibility in a close-knit environment.

Job Summary

We are looking for a proactive, strategic Operations Manager to oversee and elevate our day-to-day manufacturing and production workflows. In this pivotal role, you will act as the primary link between factory floor execution and corporate leadership—fostering operational excellence, boosting efficiency, upholding strict quality controls, and spearheading ongoing process improvements across manufacturing, logistics, and facility management.

The perfect fit for this position is an involved, collaborative leader with a deep background in manufacturing, a passion for lean workflows, and a proven track record of inspiring top-tier teams. Additionally, you will be responsible for steering key projects and new product launches to successful completion.

Responsibilities Operational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, including production, scheduling, maintenance, and logistics.
• Serve as the glue between the plant floor and front office, overseeing operational flow and daily administrative operations.
• Ensure efficient use of labor, materials, and equipment to meet production targets.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company goals.
• Drive project completion and new product development from engineering through production and release to sales.

Production & Planning

• Collaborate with engineering, sales, supply chain, and logistics teams to align production schedules with customer demand and ensure on-time delivery.
• Coordinate workflow across all departments and monitor/adjust priorities as needed.
• Manage inventory levels and coordinate with procurement for raw materials (steel, components).
• Monitor output to ensure products meet engineering specifications and customer requirements.

Team Leadership

• Train, mentor, and evaluate staff (both production and front office) on safety, quality standards, and performance.
• Drive accountability through KPIs and regular evaluations.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Partner with engineering on product design improvements and manufacturability.
• Enforce OSHA and company safety policies; lead safety audits, training, and incident investigations.
• Ensure adherence to internal quality standards.

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage labor, material, and operational costs to meet budget targets.
• Track plant performance metrics and report to senior leadership.
• Support strategic planning for capacity, staffing, and capital investments.

Requirements

• 5+ years of manufacturing operations leadership experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong leadership experience in a metal fabrication or heavy equipment manufacturing environment.
• Deep understanding of fabrication processes, including CNC machining, folders, shears, welding, and assembly.
• Experience bridging manufacturing/plant operations with front-office functions (accounting, HR, purchasing, engineering, sales, planning, and scheduling).
• Proven ability to complete projects and drive new product development initiatives to successful launch.
• Data-driven decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and team development skills.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and production reporting tools.
• Ability to read blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Hands-on approach with willingness to work in an industrial manufacturing environment (daily production floor presence, exposure to machinery, noise, heat, etc.).

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in custom or low-volume, high-mix manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles (certification not required).
• Background in industrial equipment or machine tools.

Compensation/Benefits

• Target Salary Range: $125,000 – $175,000 (up to $225,000 for an exceptional candidate).
• Bonus opportunity, potentially tied to project completion
• 401(k) with safe harbor match.
• Medical coverage and extended benefits.

Location

• On-site in Rockford, Illinois