Chicago Operations Director

Edsal Manufacturing•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The 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.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
Prior experience leading a large-scale plant or complex operation
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
10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience required
Prior large-scale plant or multi-function operational leadership required

Nice To Haves

Experience in metal manufacturing or a similar industrial environment strongly preferred
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred; ability to communicate effectively with a diverse, production-based workforce is critical
Experience in metal manufacturing or similar industrial environment strongly preferred

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