Head of Operations & Business Management

Operations Director Noratel North America | Hobart, Indiana – Chicago Area
For an operations executive who believes performance is built on the shop floor - not in a conference room.

We are seeking a hands-on Operations Director to lead Noratel’s manufacturing operations across three sites in the United States and Mexico.

Based in Hobart, Indiana, this role carries full operational responsibility for the North American manufacturing network, with accountability for on-time delivery, productivity, cost, capacity utilization, inventory, and working-capital performance.

This is not a head-office leadership position. The successful candidate will spend significant time at the manufacturing sites, working directly with site leaders and operational teams to strengthen execution, embed Lean practices, improve manufacturing capability, and build a more efficient and resilient operating network.

The role reports directly to the SVP North America and requires regular travel to our site in Nogales, Mexico.

Noratel is a global manufacturer of custom power magnetics, serving demanding industry segments since 1925. As part of the Magnetics Division within discoverIE Group, we benefit from a global network of specialized electronic component manufacturers. Noratel combines local responsiveness with global engineering and production capabilities to deliver
Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Performance
Lead operational performance across three manufacturing sites in the United States and Mexico
Establish clear operational targets and ensure effective mitigation plans are in place when performance is at risk
Ensure all sites operate fully within the safety and quality standards owned and led by the QHSE function
Lean and Continuous Improvement
Support the deployment of the Noratel Continuous Improvement system across all sites
Drive the practical implementation of Lean manufacturing, 5S, daily management, and structured problem-solving
Deliver measurable and sustained improvements directly on the shop floor
Standardize operational processes, tools, and routines across the network
Own site-level supply-chain execution, including production planning, scheduling, WIP, finished-goods inventory, warehousing, and logistics
Establish robust S&OP and production-planning disciplines across the network
Improve inventory accuracy and reduce working capital while protecting customer delivery performance
Partner with Procurement on purchased-material inventory and supply continuity
Drive disciplined use of ERP and MRP systems across the sites
Strengthen data quality, system accuracy, and operational reporting
Use Sage 500 or similar systems to support capacity planning, scheduling, materials management, and performance analysis
Manufacturing Cost and Engineering Partnership
Own operations-led cost reduction across processes, labor, yield, and scrap
Assess asset utilization, cost-to-serve, site configuration, and network efficiency
Develop and execute optimization plans that improve resilience and prepare the business for future growth
Lead capacity planning and prioritize capital investment across the sites
Leadership and Capability Building
Lead and develop Site Managers across the network
Build strong operational leadership capability and succession plans at site level
Create an accountable, engaged, and performance-focused culture
Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, or a related engineering discipline
Master’s degree or MBA is considered an advantage
Minimum 10 years of operational management experience in a manufacturing environment
Proven experience leading multi-site and multicultural operations across the United States and Mexico
Strong track record of improving manufacturing performance, cost, productivity, and delivery
Hands-on experience implementing Lean manufacturing, 5S, and Continuous Improvement practices
Experience leading manufacturing footprint, capacity, or network-optimization initiatives
Strong commercial and financial understanding, including working capital, inventory, capacity utilization, and cost performance
Fluent English; working Spanish is a strong advantage
Visible, hands-on shop-floor leadership
Strong operational and financial discipline
Strong people-development and succession-building capability
This is an opportunity to shape the future of Noratel’s North American manufacturing network.
You will have the authority and visibility to influence operational strategy, strengthen site performance, develop manufacturing capability, and lead meaningful improvements across the United States and Mexico.

The role offers broad exposure to senior leadership, Engineering, QHSE, Procurement, Finance, and global operations, together with the opportunity to make a measurable impact on delivery, cost, capacity, and long-term competitiveness.

Base salary of $130,000–$150,000 per year, depending on skills, qualifications and experience, plus a performance-related incentive
A senior leadership role with responsibility for three manufacturing sites
Opportunity to lead operational transformation across the United States and Mexico
To apply, please submit your application via LinkedIn or contact us for further information.