Director of Operations

Northern Chicago Suburbs, IL | $145K–$175K+ Onsite 4X per week (~100 employees at this facility) Some travel to another U.S. facility as needed (~20 employees at 2nd facility) $145K–$175K+ base 15–18% annual bonus target Relocation assistance where applicable Medical, dental, vision, and company-funded HSA 401(k) with match, paid parental leave, life insurance, and disability Wellness, mental health, and family-building benefits About the Company/Role Our client is a global manufacturer of engineered finished products for professional and commercial markets seeking a Director of Operations to lead manufacturing strategy and performance across a multi-site business. The ideal candidate will come from a whole-product manufacturing environment, preferably involving complex electromechanical finished products. Highly relevant backgrounds include power tools, cordless/pneumatic equipment, professional tools and equipment, appliances, consumer durables, and similar assembled products. This is a broad manufacturing leadership role overseeing multiple plant functions while developing the managers responsible for day-to-day execution. The Director will balance operational performance with longer-term manufacturing strategy, continuous improvement, talent development, and growth initiatives. Key Responsibilities Lead manufacturing strategy, production planning, and performance across multiple facilities Oversee manufacturing operations and functions including engineering, maintenance, EHS, quality, and shipping/receiving Lead through plant/operations managers and develop a strong manufacturing leadership team Drive safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and overall operational performance Champion Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence Partner with engineering and product development on NPD/NPI, product launches, and manufacturing readiness Establish KPIs, operating rhythms, and accountability throughout the organization Drive cost reduction, capacity, productivity, and process improvements Develop managers capable of owning tactical execution while maintaining focus on longer-term strategy and growth Qualifications BA/BS degree required; advanced degree preferred Director-level or comparable senior manufacturing/operations leadership experience Must-have experience leading the manufacturing of complete/whole finished products Strong preference for complex electromechanical finished products Highly relevant products include power tools, professional tools/equipment, cordless or pneumatic equipment, appliances, consumer durables, and similar assembled products Broad leadership experience across manufacturing plus engineering, quality, maintenance, EHS, production planning, and/or related plant functions Experience developing plant managers and manufacturing/operations leaders Multi-site manufacturing leadership strongly preferred Strong Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence experience Demonstrated success improving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity NPD/NPI and product-launch experience preferred Six Sigma Black Belt, Green Belt, or similar certification preferred #J-18808-Ljbffr