Operations Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Operations Specialist jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, Naperville, and Peoria, where logistics hubs, financial services firms, and manufacturing headquarters drive consistent demand at every level from entry-level coordinators to senior process leads. Employers like United Airlines, Caterpillar, and Allstate maintain large operations teams across the state, with the most active openings in supply chain operations, insurance and claims operations, and business process management. Illinois ranks among the most active markets in the Midwest for this role, with openings at corporate headquarters, regional distribution centers, and financial services offices. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Operations Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 146+ Operations Specialist jobs
This position is responsible for assessing in-progress and completed work (including documentation) for compliance with internal and external regulatory policies and procedures. The successful candidate must be able to conduct rigorous enforcement of laws and standards as well as influence the workforce regarding the importance of Quality through their emotional intelligence, operating proficiency, and technical skill sets.
The Engineer/Specialist, Operations Quality Assurance is a focused discipline within a job family. The duties listed below are activities associated with the various levels of the Engineer/Specialist progression. This progression covers the following general titles:
Engineer/Spec I, Ops Quality Assurance
Engineer/Spec II, Ops Quality Assurance
Engineer/Spec Sr, Ops Quality Assurance
Please note - This position is posted as a job family and can be filled at an Engineer/Spec I, Ops Quality Assurance or Engineer/Spec II, Ops Quality Assurance depending on:
Experience and/or education
Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and ability
Complexity of programs administered, risk and responsibility, and budgetary value of managed work
Engineer/Spec I, Ops Quality Assurance
Job Duties & Responsibilities
Performs operational assessments, both “live” and “post,” to evaluate work performed by field personnel for compliance with Company policies and procedures (driven by Federal and State regulations as well as industry best practices and Company-mandated requirements) in one to three (or more) of the following areas:
Asset Protection [This position will primarily focus on assessing work performed by Asset Protection locators - Company and/or Contractor]
Construction Operations – Company
Construction Operations – Contractor
Corrosion
Field Operations – Distribution
Field Operations – Service
Leak Survey
Storage & Peaking
System Operations
Technical Training
Transmission
Welding
Participates in the annual audit of compliance records in advance of public service commission compliance records audits
Participates in special audits of new/revised procedures recently implemented or of newly certified employees
Interprets Company policies, procedures, and O&M manual
Serves as Company liaison during State field inspections
Performs multiple out-of-state QA audits (record and field) at other Southern Company Gas companies to evaluate Company and contractor personnel compliance with Company policies and procedures which are driven by Federal and State regulations as well as industry best practices and Company-mandated requirements
Participates in event-learning analysis, with oversight (i.e. self-inflicted hit reviews) for Field Operations – Delivery and Construction Operations – Company crews to determining OQ disqualification
Participates in efforts to interpret and develop responses to proposed regulatory rules changes that could affect Gas Distribution and Southern Company
Actively represents Gas Distribution and Southern Company within industry groups
Collaborates with Safety and FO Support departments to develop and implement programs and processes to minimize workplace hazards
Teaches principles to others
Participates in internal gas distribution audits, documenting findings, preparing reports, and communicating findings to management
Participates in internal process audits and helps develop necessary action plans for corrective measures
Qualifications
Education
BS in any engineering discipline or other analytical/technical discipline; or
Equivalent academic education and experience in any/all of the following:
Asset Protection, Construction Operations – Company, Construction Operations – Contractor, Corrosion, Field Operations – Distribution, Field Operations – Service, Leak Survey, Storage & Peaking, System Operations, Technical Training, Transmission, Welding
Experience
2+ years operations experience in a gas utility in three or more field operating departments, or 2+ years within QA
Knowledge
Good understanding of Company policies, procedures, and O&M manual
Ability to understand legislation and regulation
Effective trainer in formal and informal settings
Knowledge of safe work practices and procedures
Manages projects and processes, with supervision, delivering on-time results
Competency to work independently, to be a self-starter, and to take initiative
Microsoft Office Suite – Basic proficiency
Engineer/Spec II, Ops Quality Assurance
Job Duties & Responsibilities
Performs operational assessments, both “live” and “post,” to evaluate work performed by field personnel for compliance with Company policies and procedures (driven by Federal and State regulations as well as industry best practices and Company-mandated requirements) in three to four (or more) of the following areas:
Asset Protection [This position will primarily focus on assessing work performed by Asset Protection locators - Company and/or Contractor]
Construction Operations – Company
Construction Operations – Contractor
Corrosion
Field Operations – Distribution
Field Operations – Service
Leak Survey
Storage & Peaking
System Operations
Technical Training
Transmission
Welding
Informally oversees/supervises QA staff that conduct the QA assessments
Assists in on-boarding plans and technical knowledge plans for newly hired QAs at LDC
Collaborates on and/or co-leads the annual audit of compliance records in advance of public service commission compliance records audits
Collaborates on and/or co-leads special audits of new/revised procedures recently implemented or of newly certified employees
Serves as Subject Matter Expert (“SME”) in interpreting Company policies, procedures, and O&M Manual
Serves as Company liaison during State field inspections
Performs multiple out-of-state QA audits (record and field) at other Southern Company Gas companies to evaluate Company and contractor personnel compliance with Company policies and procedures which are driven by Federal and State regulations as well as industry best practices and Company-mandated requirements
Performs main hit reviews for Field Operations – Delivery and Construction Operations – Company crews to determining OQ disqualification
Engages in efforts to interpret and develop responses to proposed regulatory rules changes that could affect Gas Distribution and Southern Company
Proactively identifies latent conditions and organizational weaknesses and works with management to correct them
Performs and documents event-learning analysis with minimal oversight (i.e. self-inflicted hit reviews)
Assists in departmental budget management
Assists in complex and critical projects across multi-disciplinary and cross-functional departments
Serves as Subject Matter Expert (“SME”) to departments on matters of occupational safety, Quality Management Systems, and compliance
Qualifications
Education
BS in any engineering discipline or other analytical/technical discipline; or
Equivalent academic education and experience in any/all of the following:
Asset Protection, Construction Operations – Company, Construction Operations – Contractor, Corrosion, Field Operations – Distribution, Field Operations – Service, Leak Survey, Storage & Peaking, System Operations, Technical Training, Transmission, Welding
Experience
4+ years operations experience in a gas utility in three or more field operating departments, or 4+ years within QA
Knowledge
Thorough understanding of Company policies, procedures, and O&M manual
Ability to understand and analyze legislation and regulation
Coaches and mentors less-tenured employees
Effective trainer in formal and informal settings
Knowledge of safe work practices and procedures
Manages projects and processes, with some supervision, delivering on-time results
Competency to work independently, to be a self-starter, and to take initiative
Microsoft Office Suite – Intermediate proficiency
Specific Skills & Knowledge
Leads by example, building strong, trusting relationships with internal- and industry contacts
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and managers
Ability to effectively communicate assessment findings
Oral and written communications are clear, concise, and timely
Ability to learn program databases, software applications, and other technology tools quickly
Strong leadership skills
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Strong presentation and team facilitation skills
Strong project management skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Business Acumen
Recommends updates/revisions to policies, procedures, or OPM-based field observations where procedures may not be followed because they are unclear, incorrect, or non-existent
Communicates leading- and lagging indicators to management
Supports achieving Quality objectives, goals, and targets
Determines Quality best practices to support the Company’s goals by consulting with Company representatives (internal peers and other key business units)
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
Occasional traveler (5-20% travel). The incumbent will be required to travel on occasion. Trips may require air travel and/or overnight stay away from home for one or more nights
Must be able to work in the field under a variety of weather conditions
This position requires constant standing or walking
This position occasionally requires the incumbent to bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl
This position requires the ability to lift up to 10 pounds
The incumbent works in an office environment
The incumbent may/will work near or with moving mechanical parts
The incumbent may/will be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, or chemicals
The incumbent may/will be exposed to varying outdoor weather conditions
The incumbent may/will be exposed to excessive noise
Rotational On-Call Duties
Must be able to respond to urgent Quality issues when contacted
Availability to respond to assist in emergency situations when needed
Engineer/Spec II: Will be part of departmental on-call rotation for pipeline incident emergency response and liaison with regulatory authorities on a voluntary basis
Disclaimer : This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job; responsibilities may be changed or added without advance notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com .
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
This position is responsible for assessing in-progress and completed work (including documentation) for compliance with internal and external regulatory policies and procedures. The successful candidate must be able to conduct rigorous enforcement of laws and standards as well as influence the workforce regarding the importance of Quality through their emotional intelligence, operating proficiency, and technical skill sets.
The Engineer/Specialist, Operations Quality Assurance is a focused discipline within a job family. The duties listed below are activities associated with the various levels of the Engineer/Specialist progression. This progression covers the following general titles:
Engineer/Spec I, Ops Quality Assurance
Engineer/Spec II, Ops Quality Assurance
Engineer/Spec Sr, Ops Quality Assurance
Please note - This position is posted as a job family and can be filled at an Engineer/Spec I, Ops Quality Assurance or Engineer/Spec II, Ops Quality Assurance depending on:
Experience and/or education
Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and ability
Complexity of programs administered, risk and responsibility, and budgetary value of managed work
Engineer/Spec I, Ops Quality Assurance
Job Duties & Responsibilities
Performs operational assessments, both “live” and “post,” to evaluate work performed by field personnel for compliance with Company policies and procedures (driven by Federal and State regulations as well as industry best practices and Company-mandated requirements) in one to three (or more) of the following areas:
Asset Protection [This position will primarily focus on assessing work performed by Asset Protection locators - Company and/or Contractor]
Construction Operations – Company
Construction Operations – Contractor
Corrosion
Field Operations – Distribution
Field Operations – Service
Leak Survey
Storage & Peaking
System Operations
Technical Training
Transmission
Welding
Participates in the annual audit of compliance records in advance of public service commission compliance records audits
Participates in special audits of new/revised procedures recently implemented or of newly certified employees
Interprets Company policies, procedures, and O&M manual
Serves as Company liaison during State field inspections
Performs multiple out-of-state QA audits (record and field) at other Southern Company Gas companies to evaluate Company and contractor personnel compliance with Company policies and procedures which are driven by Federal and State regulations as well as industry best practices and Company-mandated requirements
Participates in event-learning analysis, with oversight (i.e. self-inflicted hit reviews) for Field Operations – Delivery and Construction Operations – Company crews to determining OQ disqualification
Participates in efforts to interpret and develop responses to proposed regulatory rules changes that could affect Gas Distribution and Southern Company
Actively represents Gas Distribution and Southern Company within industry groups
Collaborates with Safety and FO Support departments to develop and implement programs and processes to minimize workplace hazards
Teaches principles to others
Participates in internal gas distribution audits, documenting findings, preparing reports, and communicating findings to management
Participates in internal process audits and helps develop necessary action plans for corrective measures
Qualifications
Education
BS in any engineering discipline or other analytical/technical discipline; or
Equivalent academic education and experience in any/all of the following:
Asset Protection, Construction Operations – Company, Construction Operations – Contractor, Corrosion, Field Operations – Distribution, Field Operations – Service, Leak Survey, Storage & Peaking, System Operations, Technical Training, Transmission, Welding
Experience
2+ years operations experience in a gas utility in three or more field operating departments, or 2+ years within QA
Knowledge
Good understanding of Company policies, procedures, and O&M manual
Ability to understand legislation and regulation
Effective trainer in formal and informal settings
Knowledge of safe work practices and procedures
Manages projects and processes, with supervision, delivering on-time results
Competency to work independently, to be a self-starter, and to take initiative
Microsoft Office Suite – Basic proficiency
Engineer/Spec II, Ops Quality Assurance
Job Duties & Responsibilities
Performs operational assessments, both “live” and “post,” to evaluate work performed by field personnel for compliance with Company policies and procedures (driven by Federal and State regulations as well as industry best practices and Company-mandated requirements) in three to four (or more) of the following areas:
Asset Protection [This position will primarily focus on assessing work performed by Asset Protection locators - Company and/or Contractor]
Construction Operations – Company
Construction Operations – Contractor
Corrosion
Field Operations – Distribution
Field Operations – Service
Leak Survey
Storage & Peaking
System Operations
Technical Training
Transmission
Welding
Informally oversees/supervises QA staff that conduct the QA assessments
Assists in on-boarding plans and technical knowledge plans for newly hired QAs at LDC
Collaborates on and/or co-leads the annual audit of compliance records in advance of public service commission compliance records audits
Collaborates on and/or co-leads special audits of new/revised procedures recently implemented or of newly certified employees
Serves as Subject Matter Expert (“SME”) in interpreting Company policies, procedures, and O&M Manual
Serves as Company liaison during State field inspections
Performs multiple out-of-state QA audits (record and field) at other Southern Company Gas companies to evaluate Company and contractor personnel compliance with Company policies and procedures which are driven by Federal and State regulations as well as industry best practices and Company-mandated requirements
Performs main hit reviews for Field Operations – Delivery and Construction Operations – Company crews to determining OQ disqualification
Engages in efforts to interpret and develop responses to proposed regulatory rules changes that could affect Gas Distribution and Southern Company
Proactively identifies latent conditions and organizational weaknesses and works with management to correct them
Performs and documents event-learning analysis with minimal oversight (i.e. self-inflicted hit reviews)
Assists in departmental budget management
Assists in complex and critical projects across multi-disciplinary and cross-functional departments
Serves as Subject Matter Expert (“SME”) to departments on matters of occupational safety, Quality Management Systems, and compliance
Qualifications
Education
BS in any engineering discipline or other analytical/technical discipline; or
Equivalent academic education and experience in any/all of the following:
Asset Protection, Construction Operations – Company, Construction Operations – Contractor, Corrosion, Field Operations – Distribution, Field Operations – Service, Leak Survey, Storage & Peaking, System Operations, Technical Training, Transmission, Welding
Experience
4+ years operations experience in a gas utility in three or more field operating departments, or 4+ years within QA
Knowledge
Thorough understanding of Company policies, procedures, and O&M manual
Ability to understand and analyze legislation and regulation
Coaches and mentors less-tenured employees
Effective trainer in formal and informal settings
Knowledge of safe work practices and procedures
Manages projects and processes, with some supervision, delivering on-time results
Competency to work independently, to be a self-starter, and to take initiative
Microsoft Office Suite – Intermediate proficiency
Specific Skills & Knowledge
Leads by example, building strong, trusting relationships with internal- and industry contacts
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and managers
Ability to effectively communicate assessment findings
Oral and written communications are clear, concise, and timely
Ability to learn program databases, software applications, and other technology tools quickly
Strong leadership skills
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Strong presentation and team facilitation skills
Strong project management skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Business Acumen
Recommends updates/revisions to policies, procedures, or OPM-based field observations where procedures may not be followed because they are unclear, incorrect, or non-existent
Communicates leading- and lagging indicators to management
Supports achieving Quality objectives, goals, and targets
Determines Quality best practices to support the Company’s goals by consulting with Company representatives (internal peers and other key business units)
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
Occasional traveler (5-20% travel). The incumbent will be required to travel on occasion. Trips may require air travel and/or overnight stay away from home for one or more nights
Must be able to work in the field under a variety of weather conditions
This position requires constant standing or walking
This position occasionally requires the incumbent to bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl
This position requires the ability to lift up to 10 pounds
The incumbent works in an office environment
The incumbent may/will work near or with moving mechanical parts
The incumbent may/will be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, or chemicals
The incumbent may/will be exposed to varying outdoor weather conditions
The incumbent may/will be exposed to excessive noise
Rotational On-Call Duties
Must be able to respond to urgent Quality issues when contacted
Availability to respond to assist in emergency situations when needed
Engineer/Spec II: Will be part of departmental on-call rotation for pipeline incident emergency response and liaison with regulatory authorities on a voluntary basis
Disclaimer : This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job; responsibilities may be changed or added without advance notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com .
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
See All 146+ Operations Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Operations Specialist JobsOperations Specialist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Operations Specialist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- DICK'S Sporting Goods14
- Servbank, sb8S
- Endeavor Health5
- ADP2
- PGL2
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Transportation & Logistics
- Education
- Agriculture & Farming
- Construction & Real Estate
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in operations specialist jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in business, operations management, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in ERP or operations management software such as SAP or Oracle
- Two or more years of experience in process coordination, logistics, or business operations
- Strong data analysis skills using Excel, Tableau, or similar reporting tools
- Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional projects and improve operational workflows
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder reporting and coordination
Operations Specialist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a operations specialist in Illinois?
Most operations specialist roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, supply chain, or a related field. Illinois does not require a state-issued license for general operations specialist work, but employers in regulated industries like insurance may expect candidates to hold or obtain an Illinois Department of Insurance producer license. Certifications such as the Certified Associate in Project Management or a Lean Six Sigma credential strengthen a candidate's profile with Chicago-area corporate employers.
Which companies hire operations specialists in Illinois?
Employers hiring operations specialists in Illinois right now include DICK'S Sporting Goods, Servbank, sb, and Endeavor Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's mix of Fortune 500 headquarters in the Chicago metro, major logistics corridors near O'Hare, and large insurance and financial services firms in the suburbs creates steady demand for operations specialists with experience in corporate process management and supply chain coordination.
Which Illinois cities have the most operations specialist jobs?
Chicago, Joliet, and Aurora have the most operations specialist openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates because of its concentration of corporate headquarters, financial institutions, and transportation networks, while suburban cities like Naperville and Schaumburg attract openings from large employers that have relocated or expanded operations campuses outside the city core.
Are there remote operations specialist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and they are more common than in many fields because much of operations specialist work centers on data analysis, process documentation, and cross-team coordination rather than physical presence. About 55% of operations specialist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the desk-based nature of many roles. Functions like reporting, vendor management, and policy compliance tend to offer the most remote flexibility.
How can I get hired as a operations specialist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for operations coordinator or administrative analyst roles at large Illinois employers, where internal promotion into a specialist title is common. Companies like Allstate, United Airlines, and Advocate Health run structured associate or rotational programs that place candidates without direct experience into entry-level operations tracks. A relevant internship, a Lean Six Sigma white or yellow belt, or demonstrated proficiency in Excel and ERP platforms gives candidates without experience a concrete edge in Chicago-area corporate hiring.
Where can I find and apply to operations specialist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to operations specialist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search for roles that match your experience level, industry, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit. No signup is required to search or view listings.
See All 146+ Operations Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Operations Specialist Jobs