Summary of Position

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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
• Lead, develop, and hold accountable a team of department managers across production, maintenance, warehouse, and safety
• 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
• Ensure inventory accuracy and alignment between production, warehouse, and planning functions
• Utilize ERP and reporting tools to monitor performance, analyze trends, and support data-based decision making

Key Qualifications

Successful candidates will bring a proven track record of leading large-scale manufacturing operations with full functional ownership. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, results-driven leader with strong operational discipline, the ability to develop frontline leadership, and demonstrated success improving performance across production, labor, cost, safety, and quality.

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
• Prior experience leading a large-scale plant or complex operation
• Experience in metal manufacturing or a similar industrial environment strongly preferred
• Proven ability to lead large, multi-functional teams through managers and supervisors
• 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
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred; ability to communicate effectively with a diverse, production-based workforce is critical

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred, not required
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience 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

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

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 Environment

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 may be exposed to moderate noise levels and other conditions typical of a manufacturing environment. 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.

Compensation

This position is classified as exempt under applicable federal and state wage and hour laws and is not eligible for overtime pay.

The anticipated annual salary for this position is $150,000.

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.

Pre-Employment Requirements

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