Job opening

Strategic Operations Director

Confidential

Waukegan, IL

Filed under Manufacturing

Full job description

Role Summary

We are seeking a strategic business leader to drive operational performance, cross-functional initiatives, and enterprise-wide process improvements. This role partners with executive leadership to identify opportunities that improve efficiency, strengthen business performance, and support long-term organizational growth. The ideal candidate brings experience leading complex initiatives, influencing stakeholders, and using data to drive informed business decisions.

What You Will Do

  • Lead strategic initiatives that improve operational efficiency and business performance.
  • Partner with senior leadership to develop and execute long-term operational strategies.
  • Build and manage key external business partnerships and commercial relationships.
  • Lead complex negotiations and support cost optimization initiatives.
  • Drive continuous improvement across processes, systems, and cross-functional teams.
  • Analyze market trends and business risks to support informed decision making.
  • Collaborate with Operations, Finance, Engineering, and Quality to achieve organizational goals.
  • Develop performance metrics and monitor business outcomes to ensure continued success.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of managers and business professionals.
  • Support organizational growth through strategic planning and change management.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, procurement, or a related business function.
  • Demonstrated success leading cross-functional projects and organizational initiatives.
  • Strong financial, analytical, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building abilities.
  • Experience with ERP systems and Microsoft Office.

Success in this Role

  • Driving measurable operational improvements
  • Leading enterprise-wide strategic initiatives
  • Building strong internal and external partnerships
  • Supporting sustainable cost optimization
  • Creating scalable processes that enable long-term business growth

About the Opportunity

We are a growing manufacturing organization committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and innovation. We value collaborative leaders who enjoy solving complex business challenges and making a measurable impact across the organization.

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