Head of Operations & Business Management

Chicago Operations Director

Edsal Manufacturing is North America's leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of high-quality steel shelving and storage solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Founded on Chicago's South Side more than 65 years ago, Edsal has grown into a national manufacturing organization with operations in Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and California. In 2018, Edsal was acquired by Monomoy Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on middle-market manufacturing, distribution, and industrial companies. The Chicago Operations Director is responsible for leading all aspects of operations at Edsal's largest and most complex manufacturing facility. This role carries full accountability for production performance, labor management, cost control, safety, and quality within a high-volume, fast-paced environment. The Director will lead a large, multi-functional team across production, maintenance, warehouse, and safety while driving daily execution and building long-term operational stability. This position reports to the Senior Director of Operations and plays a critical role in aligning plant performance with overall company objectives and financial targets.

Lead all day-to-day operations of the Chicago facility, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and delivery commitments are consistently met

Drive accountability for daily production output, schedule attainment, and throughput performance across all shifts

Manage and optimize labor efficiency, staffing levels, and overtime usage in alignment with business needs

Maintain full ownership of cost performance, including labor, materials, and operational expenses

Partner with HR to manage workforce planning, employee relations, and performance management within both union and non-union environments

Ensure compliance with all OSHA safety regulations and drive a culture of safety accountability and continuous improvement

Identify and execute process improvements that deliver measurable gains in productivity, cost reduction, and operational efficiency

Utilize ERP and reporting tools to monitor performance, analyze trends, and support data-based decision making

Prior experience leading a large-scale plant or complex operation

• Experience in metal manufacturing or a similar industrial environment strongly preferred
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach
• Experience operating in or alongside union environments and collective bargaining agreements
• Proficiency with ERP systems, production reporting tools, and Microsoft Office
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred; Bachelor's degree preferred, not required
• Prior large-scale plant or multi-function operational leadership required
• Experience in metal manufacturing or similar industrial environment strongly preferred

Administrative / Office Physical & Mental Demands

Employees in this role are primarily engaged in office-based work and are generally required to sit for extended periods while using a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment. The position may also require occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching while performing routine office tasks. Employees may occasionally lift or move office materials such as files, documents, or small equipment, typically up to 15–20 pounds. Employees must have adequate vision and hearing to effectively use a computer, participate in meetings, and communicate with colleagues and external contacts. Mental demands include the ability to analyze information, maintain attention to detail, manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Work is performed in both a professional office environment and within a manufacturing production environment. While many administrative duties are performed in an office setting, a substantial presence on the production floor is required. Employees working on or visiting the production floor may be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, or PPE, in accordance with company safety policies.

This position is classified as exempt under applicable federal and state wage and hour laws and is not eligible for overtime pay. This position is also eligible for a discretionary target bonus based on company performance, individual performance, and the terms and conditions of the applicable bonus plan. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and location. This position is also be eligible for company benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability benefits, paid time off, retirement plan benefits, and retirement plan benefits, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit plans and company policies.

Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screening consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws and company policy.

Edsal Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification under applicable federal, state, or local laws.