Branch Operations Manager – Industrial Equipment & Service

German American Chambers of Commerce • Naperville, IL

12d

About The Position

An established German-owned industrial machinery manufacturer is seeking a hands-on Operations Manager to lead its U.S. operation in the Chicago area. The role oversees a small business of approximately five employees, including field service technicians and warehouse support, and carries responsibility for team leadership, service activities, technician scheduling, spare parts operations, customer relationships, and administrative processes.

The initial focus is to understand the business, improve workflows, establish clear responsibilities and accountability, and strengthen communication and reporting between the U.S. operation and German headquarters. As the organization develops, the manager will help expand the team and technical service capabilities and support local project management and business development activities. The role works closely with company leadership and teams in Germany and requires travel within the U.S. and occasionally to Germany.

Requirements

• Strong organizational and operational leadership skills, including experience establishing processes, defining responsibilities, improving workflows, and driving accountability.
• Experience managing technical service operations, coordinating field technicians and schedules, and overseeing maintenance, installation, or commissioning activities.
• Proven people management experience, including leading and developing a small team, setting priorities, making independent decisions, and supporting future hiring.
• Several years of experience in industrial machinery, equipment manufacturing, automation, engineering, or a related technical environment.
• A practical, hands-on leadership style and ability to manage multiple operational priorities in a smaller organization without extensive support structures.
• Strong customer relationship management skills, commercial awareness, and understanding of service and aftermarket business opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with U.S. employees and international management teams.
• Willingness to travel within the U.S. and occasionally to Germany.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with European or German-owned companies.
• Experience with conveyor systems or material handling equipment.
• Experience with project management, technical sales, or business development.
• German language skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily U.S. business operations, establish clear responsibilities, improve workflows, and promote accountability.
• Lead and develop existing employees, coordinate priorities, and support hiring and onboarding of additional technical and administrative personnel.
• Coordinate field technicians and oversee maintenance, equipment installations, commissioning, and customer service activities.
• Improve spare parts and inventory management, purchasing, administrative coordination, and operational reporting.
• Build understanding of existing customers, installed equipment, and service needs while maintaining responsive customer support.
• Coordinate with management, engineering, service, and project teams in Germany to support communication and project execution.
• Help expand technical service and aftermarket activities and develop local project management and business development capabilities.

Benefits

• Employer contribution toward health and dental insurance coverage costs.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions of up to 3%.
• 20 vacation days annually.
• Nine company-observed paid holidays per year.
• Autonomy to improve processes, develop the team, and influence how the business runs.
• Opportunity to build on an existing customer base and technical service team and help shape the next phase of the business.
• Direct collaboration with leadership and technical teams at German headquarters.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed