Operations Manager - CNC/Machine Tool Support

General Information

Name


Operations Manager - CNC/Machine Tool Support


Employment Type


Direct Hire


Position level


Full-time


Virtual/Remote?


No


Labor Category


Engineering


Date


29-Apr-2026


City


Rockford


State


Illinois


Country


United States


Ref #


9247856490


Description & Requirements

Description

Operations Support Manager - Precision Manufacturing (CNC/Machine Tools)
Location: Rockford IL
Travel: Domestic & International (25-40%)

Are you ready to make a significant impact in a global high-performance manufacturing environment? We are searching for an experienced Operations Support Manager to lead and optimize operational support functions for a world-class precision engineering organization. This is your opportunity to oversee a talented team, develop leaders, and be at the forefront of advancing next-generation machine tools for industries that shape our future-including aerospace, defense, automotive, and energy.

What You'll Do:

• Lead, Manage, Grow: Guide a team of 20-30 skilled technicians, engineers, and support staff-mentoring, managing, and developing future leaders.
• Drive Daily Performance: Orchestrate shop floor and field support activities, ensuring targets for productivity, quality, and efficiency are met or exceeded.
• Be the CNC Expert: Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex technical challenges across both modern and legacy CNC machine tools.
• Build Structure and Accountability: Implement processes, drive accountability, and nurture an environment focused on safety, continuous improvement, and operational discipline.
• Advance Cross-Functional Results: Serve as the key connector between Operations, Engineering, Service, Sales, and Customer Support to maximize machine uptime and drive customer satisfaction.
• Develop Future Leaders: Mentor your Operations Supervisor and create structured technical training programs to close skill gaps and elevate team capability.
• Enforce Excellence: Implement standardization, waste reduction, and process improvement strategies to boost operational efficiency and support strategic business growth.
• Communicate and Collaborate: Report regularly on KPIs, resource utilization, and improvement initiatives to senior management, and ensure seamless cross-departmental communication.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Direct, hands-on CNC machine tools experience (operation, setup, troubleshooting, system knowledge)
• Proven team leadership - managed technical or operations teams (20-30 staff) in fast-paced environments
• Deep understanding of industrial equipment, machine tools, and manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with capital equipment or industrial automation preferred
• Strong technical problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems (SAP a plus)
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• 7-10 years of relevant experience in operations management, manufacturing supervision, or technical leadership roles

Education:

• High School Diploma required
• Technical or bachelor's degree preferred (or equivalent hands-on CNC experience)

Other Requirements:

• Possession of a valid U.S. Passport or work authorization (Green Card holders eligible)
• Valid Driver's License
• Willingness and ability to travel 25-40% domestically and internationally as needed

Why Join Us?
This is a unique chance to join an industry leader in advanced metal removal solutions. You'll work in an innovative, collaborative environment at the intersection of technology and manufacturing, where your talent and initiative shape the products powering the world's most critical sectors.

Ready to Lead?
If you have the technical depth, leadership passion, and drive to deliver extraordinary operational results, apply today and take your career to the next level!

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Engineering?
Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world's most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we're here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.