Job Title: Operations Manager  (Plastic Extrusion) - JPC2422
Industry: Extrusion Manufacturing
Salary: Up to $100K+ (based on experience)
Schedule: Full-time / Mondays thru Fridays

We are seeking a seasoned Operations Manager with extensive experience in extrusion manufacturing to oversee all aspects of operations for a stable and growing company based in the northern Chicago, IL region. The ideal candidate will bring at least 10+ years of extrusion experience and a strong track record in production management, tooling manufacturing (a plus), and cross-functional team collaboration. This position offers a competitive base salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to manage full-scale manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of the extrusion manufacturing process, ensuring smooth production across 3 shifts. Lead by example and ensure production targets, quality standards, and safety guidelines are met consistently.
• Work closely with direct reports, engineering, sales teams, and external vendors to ensure the timely completion of projects. Foster strong relationships across departments to align operations with company goals and customer requirements.
• Spearhead production planning activities, ensuring efficient use of resources, timely deliveries, and adherence to production schedules. Prioritize tasks and allocate resources to meet production demands and deadlines.
• Oversee hiring, training, and development of staff. Lead and mentor the operations team to foster a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and high performance.
• Develop and implement effective QA/QC processes to ensure products meet the highest quality standards. Regularly monitor production output to ensure compliance with internal and external quality benchmarks.
• Manage operational budgets, including purchasing, labor, and overhead. Identify and implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality or safety.
• Coordinate the procurement and implementation of tooling and equipment. Drive efforts to improve manufacturing processes and implement new technologies or techniques that increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Continuously identify and implement process improvements across the extrusion manufacturing operations. Lead initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety and environmental regulations. Promote a culture of safety, ensuring all team members follow safe working practices and contribute to a safe working environment.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in extrusion manufacturing, with a strong background in managing operations at the manufacturing floor level. Additional experience with tooling manufacturing is a significant advantage.
• Proven ability to manage a large, multi-shift production team. Strong leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and develop staff, and drive performance through cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience in overseeing large-scale projects and managing complex production schedules. Strong understanding of production planning, resource allocation, and problem-solving in a manufacturing context.
• Expertise in implementing quality control measures and process improvement strategies. A track record of enhancing operational efficiency and product quality.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments, work with vendors, and liaise with sales teams and senior leadership.
• Strong understanding of extrusion processes, tooling, and equipment. Familiarity with modern manufacturing technologies and lean manufacturing principles is a plus.

This position offers competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for career growth within the organization. For more info, please contact: 

Maria Abelardo | Recruiting Director
Direct: (754)-241-9507
PlasticStaffing.com
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