Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois
Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in automotive supply chain, food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and heavy industrial equipment production, with openings at every level from floor-level supervisor to senior plant director. Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria are the largest hiring metros, anchored by established employers such as Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Illinois Tool Works. Lean operations, continuous improvement, and supply chain optimization are the most sought-after specialties across Illinois listings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 4 of 5+ Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs
Looking for more manufacturing operations manager jobs?
Explore related role searches to find more openings that fit.
See related jobsU.S. Operations Manager
Position Title: U.S. Operations Manager
Reports to: Division General Manager
Location: Mokena, IL (Division U.S. Operations), with regular travel to Richton Park, IL
Team Led: Plant Managers — Mokena, IL and Richton Park, IL — plus supporting U.S. operations functional leaders and professional staff
The Opportunity
Our client is a division of a Fortune 500 diversified industrial manufacturer with roughly $14B in global revenue, operations in 57 countries, and a portfolio of more than 16,000 active patents. Within that global enterprise, this division is a focused business serving major OEMs across North America, engineering and manufacturing housing units, vehicle doors, capless fuel systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charge ports.
The division operates multiple manufacturing locations across the U.S. and Mexico, anchored in the U.S. by its Mokena, IL and Richton Park, IL facilities. This role owns the U.S. operations contribution to the Division's performance, translating business-unit strategy into aligned, scalable execution across both plants and their supporting functions. As the business modernizes its operations and pursues renewed growth, it needs an Operations leader who can run today's network while building tomorrow's.
Set the strategy. Own the network. Build what's next.
This is not a caretaker role — it's the top operations seat over the division's U.S. manufacturing network, with the mandate to convert strategy into aligned execution across both plants and every supporting function. You'll set the operating cadence, sponsor transformation, and build the next generation of plant leadership. If you want a role where your reach spans a full US operation and the impact is systemic, keep reading.
Why This Role Is Different
Network-level ownership — full accountability for the U.S. operations contribution to the Division P&L across both plants, not a single site
Backed by Fortune 500 scale — the resources, capital, and career runway of a global industrial leader, with the mandate to reshape a network
Real transformation mandate — sponsor cross-site initiatives such as network optimization, footprint consolidation, product rationalization, and supply-chain transformation
A proven leadership pipeline — U.S. Operations Manager roles within this organization are a recognized path into senior general management and executive operating roles
A network, not a plant — you'll own strategy, capacity, capital, and talent decisions across the full U.S. footprint, with Plant Managers reporting to you
What You'll Own
Strategy & Network Leadership
Translate Division strategy, growth priorities, customer requirements, and financial objectives into a coordinated U.S. operations roadmap
Integrate priorities, resources, metrics, and operating practices across U.S. plants and supporting operations functions
Establish a consistent operating cadence across sites; challenge recovery plans and hold plant and functional leaders accountable for sustained results
Provide governance for product launches, manufacturing feasibility, capacity readiness, and operational risk
Financial & Capital Ownership
Own the U.S. operations contribution to the Division P&L, including productivity, conversion cost, labor, scrap, freight, inventory, sourcing, and capital effectiveness
Lead capacity, capability, footprint, technology, and capital planning across U.S. operations
Drive consistent use of the division's 80/20 Toolbox and measurable operational and financial improvement
Transformation & Continuous Improvement
Sponsor complex, cross-functional improvements such as network optimization, facility consolidation, product rationalization, in-lining, launch-system improvement, and supply-chain transformation
People Leadership & Growth Partnership
Develop Plant Managers and functional leaders; strengthen succession, decision quality, and accountability across the operations network
Align Operations with Sales, Engineering, Product Development, Finance, Human Resources, and Quality to support profitable growth
What Success Looks Like in Year One
U.S. operations are scalable and aligned, visibly supporting Division performance and profitable growth
The U.S. operations P&L contribution, productivity, network economics, and capital returns show clear improvement
Safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance are consistent across both sites
At least one major cross-site transformation, footprint, capacity, or launch priority is executed successfully
Plant Manager capability and succession depth are visibly stronger, with clearer operating accountability across the network
What You Bring
Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business, or comparable experience required
Ten or more years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including multi-site or major cross-functional operations responsibility
Demonstrated experience leading Plant Managers or senior functional leaders and delivering measurable business-unit financial improvement
Strong business-unit financial acumen, with experience building cross-site operating systems, footprint and capacity strategy, and executive-level influence
A track record of leading complex change — sustained multi-site gains, major network or footprint improvements, scalable launches, and stronger leadership performance across plants
Automotive, plastics injection molding, or complex high-volume manufacturing experience preferred
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require
Leadership Capabilities We're Looking For
Strategic & Network Leadership
Financial & Capital Ownership
Change Leadership & Transformation
People Development & Succession Planning
Executive Influence & Cross-Functional Partnership
Why You'll Want to Stay
This division offers what's rare in operations leadership today: the backing and stability of a Fortune 500 diversified industrial manufacturer, paired with real ownership of a U.S. manufacturing network's strategy and results. U.S. Operations Manager roles within this organization are a recognized pipeline into senior general management and executive operating roles — and with a mandate this broad, the opportunities to leave your mark span the entire network.
About the Organization
Our client is a Fortune 500 diversified industrial manufacturer delivering specialized expertise and value-added products across a wide range of industries worldwide. With approximately $14 billion in global revenue, operations across 57 countries, roughly 45,000 employees, and a portfolio of more than 16,000 active patents, the company is recognized as a global leader in applied engineering and manufacturing innovation.
Within this global enterprise, the business division supplies products to major automotive OEMs, including housing units, vehicle doors, capless fuel systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charge ports. The division operates a multi-site manufacturing and distribution network across the U.S. and Mexico.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
U.S. Operations Manager
Position Title: U.S. Operations Manager
Reports to: Division General Manager
Location: Mokena, IL (Division U.S. Operations), with regular travel to Richton Park, IL
Team Led: Plant Managers — Mokena, IL and Richton Park, IL — plus supporting U.S. operations functional leaders and professional staff
The Opportunity
Our client is a division of a Fortune 500 diversified industrial manufacturer with roughly $14B in global revenue, operations in 57 countries, and a portfolio of more than 16,000 active patents. Within that global enterprise, this division is a focused business serving major OEMs across North America, engineering and manufacturing housing units, vehicle doors, capless fuel systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charge ports.
The division operates multiple manufacturing locations across the U.S. and Mexico, anchored in the U.S. by its Mokena, IL and Richton Park, IL facilities. This role owns the U.S. operations contribution to the Division's performance, translating business-unit strategy into aligned, scalable execution across both plants and their supporting functions. As the business modernizes its operations and pursues renewed growth, it needs an Operations leader who can run today's network while building tomorrow's.
Set the strategy. Own the network. Build what's next.
This is not a caretaker role — it's the top operations seat over the division's U.S. manufacturing network, with the mandate to convert strategy into aligned execution across both plants and every supporting function. You'll set the operating cadence, sponsor transformation, and build the next generation of plant leadership. If you want a role where your reach spans a full US operation and the impact is systemic, keep reading.
Why This Role Is Different
Network-level ownership — full accountability for the U.S. operations contribution to the Division P&L across both plants, not a single site
Backed by Fortune 500 scale — the resources, capital, and career runway of a global industrial leader, with the mandate to reshape a network
Real transformation mandate — sponsor cross-site initiatives such as network optimization, footprint consolidation, product rationalization, and supply-chain transformation
A proven leadership pipeline — U.S. Operations Manager roles within this organization are a recognized path into senior general management and executive operating roles
A network, not a plant — you'll own strategy, capacity, capital, and talent decisions across the full U.S. footprint, with Plant Managers reporting to you
What You'll Own
Strategy & Network Leadership
Translate Division strategy, growth priorities, customer requirements, and financial objectives into a coordinated U.S. operations roadmap
Integrate priorities, resources, metrics, and operating practices across U.S. plants and supporting operations functions
Establish a consistent operating cadence across sites; challenge recovery plans and hold plant and functional leaders accountable for sustained results
Provide governance for product launches, manufacturing feasibility, capacity readiness, and operational risk
Financial & Capital Ownership
Own the U.S. operations contribution to the Division P&L, including productivity, conversion cost, labor, scrap, freight, inventory, sourcing, and capital effectiveness
Lead capacity, capability, footprint, technology, and capital planning across U.S. operations
Drive consistent use of the division's 80/20 Toolbox and measurable operational and financial improvement
Transformation & Continuous Improvement
Sponsor complex, cross-functional improvements such as network optimization, facility consolidation, product rationalization, in-lining, launch-system improvement, and supply-chain transformation
People Leadership & Growth Partnership
Develop Plant Managers and functional leaders; strengthen succession, decision quality, and accountability across the operations network
Align Operations with Sales, Engineering, Product Development, Finance, Human Resources, and Quality to support profitable growth
What Success Looks Like in Year One
U.S. operations are scalable and aligned, visibly supporting Division performance and profitable growth
The U.S. operations P&L contribution, productivity, network economics, and capital returns show clear improvement
Safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance are consistent across both sites
At least one major cross-site transformation, footprint, capacity, or launch priority is executed successfully
Plant Manager capability and succession depth are visibly stronger, with clearer operating accountability across the network
What You Bring
Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business, or comparable experience required
Ten or more years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including multi-site or major cross-functional operations responsibility
Demonstrated experience leading Plant Managers or senior functional leaders and delivering measurable business-unit financial improvement
Strong business-unit financial acumen, with experience building cross-site operating systems, footprint and capacity strategy, and executive-level influence
A track record of leading complex change — sustained multi-site gains, major network or footprint improvements, scalable launches, and stronger leadership performance across plants
Automotive, plastics injection molding, or complex high-volume manufacturing experience preferred
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require
Leadership Capabilities We're Looking For
Strategic & Network Leadership
Financial & Capital Ownership
Change Leadership & Transformation
People Development & Succession Planning
Executive Influence & Cross-Functional Partnership
Why You'll Want to Stay
This division offers what's rare in operations leadership today: the backing and stability of a Fortune 500 diversified industrial manufacturer, paired with real ownership of a U.S. manufacturing network's strategy and results. U.S. Operations Manager roles within this organization are a recognized pipeline into senior general management and executive operating roles — and with a mandate this broad, the opportunities to leave your mark span the entire network.
About the Organization
Our client is a Fortune 500 diversified industrial manufacturer delivering specialized expertise and value-added products across a wide range of industries worldwide. With approximately $14 billion in global revenue, operations across 57 countries, roughly 45,000 employees, and a portfolio of more than 16,000 active patents, the company is recognized as a global leader in applied engineering and manufacturing innovation.
Within this global enterprise, the business division supplies products to major automotive OEMs, including housing units, vehicle doors, capless fuel systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charge ports. The division operates a multi-site manufacturing and distribution network across the U.S. and Mexico.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
See All 5 Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsManufacturing Operations Manager Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Operations Manager Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consumer Goods
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing operations manager jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, operations management, or a related manufacturing discipline
- Proven experience managing production teams and meeting throughput targets in a regulated facility
- Demonstrated lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodology application, with Green Belt or Black Belt preferred
- Familiarity with Illinois OSHA standards and EPA compliance requirements for industrial facilities
- Experience with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle to manage scheduling, inventory, and reporting
- Strong cross-functional leadership skills coordinating quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams
Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing operations manager in Illinois?
Most Illinois employers require a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, operations management, manufacturing technology, or a closely related field. Illinois does not issue a state license specific to manufacturing operations managers, so advancement depends on building hands-on floor experience, earning a lean or Six Sigma credential, and demonstrating P&L or production accountability. Many Illinois manufacturers also value candidates who have completed a Certified Manufacturing Technologist or Certified Manager of Quality credential through recognized professional bodies.
How much do manufacturing operations managers make in Illinois?
Manufacturing operations managers in Illinois earn a median of about $127,270 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $82,900 for the lowest 10% to over $205,310 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire manufacturing operations managers in Illinois?
Employers hiring manufacturing operations managers in Illinois right now include Vanseal, Quovis, and Fellowes Brands, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of food processing, pharmaceutical, and heavy industrial manufacturers means openings appear consistently across both large Fortune 500 headquarters and mid-size regional plants throughout the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most manufacturing operations manager jobs?
Harvey, Itasca, and Mokena have the most manufacturing operations manager openings in Illinois right now. Chicago dominates because of its freight infrastructure and the headquarters of major industrial and consumer goods companies, while Rockford draws openings from its aerospace and fastener manufacturing base and Peoria from Caterpillar's global operations and its dense tier-one supplier network.
Are there remote manufacturing operations manager jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of manufacturing operations manager openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how plant-floor accountability makes full remote impractical for most of the role. The portions most likely to be performed remotely are corporate-level continuous improvement projects, multi-site performance reporting, and supply chain coordination roles that sit above direct production management.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing operations manager in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a production supervisor or shift lead role at one of Illinois's large food, pharmaceutical, or industrial manufacturers, many of whom run structured rotational or management trainee programs for candidates with a relevant degree but limited experience. Companies like Kraft Heinz in Chicago and Caterpillar in Peoria hire associates through formal development tracks. Building a Lean Yellow Belt credential and targeting quality technician or industrial engineer roles first provides a clear lateral move into operations management within two to three years.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing operations manager jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to manufacturing operations manager jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 5 Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs