Job Description:
Illinois Tool Works (ITW) is a Fortune 200 global industrial company that produces highly engineered, specialized products and solutions. With over 18,000 patents and operations in more than 50 countries, ITW’s decentralized, entrepreneurial culture empowers its 45,000+ employees to innovate and create value for customers across a wide range of industries, including automotive, food equipment, construction, electronics, and packaging. Our unique business model and long-term strategic focus drive consistent growth and profitability.
At Electronic Component Solutions (ECS), a Business Unit of ITW, we are a global leader in developing high-performance materials and components that protect and power the world’s most advanced electronics. Our solutions are trusted across industries from automotive to industrial electronics where precision, safety, and reliability are non-negotiable.
As we expand into a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, we are seeking a forward-thinking and experienced Operations Manager to lead our production operations and help shape the future of ITW ECS.
About the Role
The Operations Manager will be a key leader in launching and managing operations at our new facility. This hands-on role is responsible for overseeing manufacturing, engineering, production scheduling, quality, safety, and continuous improvement across a 3-shift, 5-day-a-week operation. You’ll build and lead a high-performing team, implement lean manufacturing practices, and drive operational excellence in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Recruit, train, and retain a skilled team including Plant Engineering, Maintenance, QA, Process Technicians, and Operators.Oversee all aspects of manufacturing operations including extrusion, tool build and qualification, material inventory, and production scheduling.Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing tools such as 5S, Kanban, 80/20, and visual line-side metrics.Ensure compliance with quality standards (IATF16949), serve as Quality Management Representative, and lead the ISO and Safety Councils.Develop systems for efficient scheduling, changeover, and raw material utilization.Collaborate with global ECS teams to adopt best practices from international operations.Manage manufacturing costs, raw material procurement, and factory consumables.Contribute to long-range and annual planning to ensure the facility is capitalized, trained, and aligned with business goals.Serve as a key interface with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure product quality and customer satisfaction.First 12 Months Expectations
Successfully launch operations in the new facility with full staffing and training.Establish a robust safety culture and lead the ITW ECS Safety Council.Implement a responsive production scheduling system to meet dynamic customer demand.Achieve measurable improvements in changeover time, material handling, and scrap reuse.Contribute to capital planning and KPI development for shop floor and customer-facing metrics.Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.Minimum 5 years of experience in extruded sheet/film manufacturing.Proven leadership in operations, quality systems, and lean manufacturing.Strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, startup-like environment.Why ITW ECS?
Be part of a global, innovative company with a strong commitment to operational excellence.Lead a high-impact role in a brand-new facility with cutting-edge technology.Collaborate with a passionate team dedicated to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.Enjoy the stability and growth opportunities of a Fortune 200 company.Ready to lead the next generation of electronic component manufacturing?
Apply now and help shape the future at ITW ECS.
Compensation Information:
$110k-$150k
ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.