Chicago Operations Director
Job Location:
Chicago, IL - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Posted:
12 June 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline:
9 September 2026
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Edsal Manufacturing is North Americas leading designer manufacturer and distributor of high-quality steel shelving and storage solutions for residential commercial and industrial applications. Founded on Chicagos South Side more than 65 years ago Edsal has grown into a national manufacturing organization with operations in Illinois Indiana Pennsylvania and California.
In 2018 Edsal was acquired by Monomoy Capital Partners a private equity firm focused on middle-market manufacturing distribution and industrial companies. Monomoy partners with its portfolio companies to drive operational improvements strengthen leadership teams and accelerate long-term growth.
Why Join Edsal
- Established manufacturing company with more than 65 years of history
- Growing organization backed by Monomoy Capital Partners
- Opportunities for career growth across multiple U.S. locations
- Collaborative team environment supporting operational excellence
Summary of Position
TheChicago Operations Directoris responsible forleading all aspects of operations atEdsals largest and most complexmanufacturing facility. This rolecarries full accountability forproduction performance labormanagement cost control safety andquality within a high-volumefast-paced environment. The Directorwill lead a large multi-functionalteam across production maintenancewarehouse and safety while drivingdaily execution and building long-termoperational stability. This positionreports to the Senior Director ofOperations and plays a critical role inaligning plant performance with overallcompany objectives and financialtargets.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all day-to-day operations of the Chicago facility ensuring production targets quality standards and delivery commitments are consistently met
- Drive accountability for daily production output schedule attainment and throughput performance across all shifts
- Manage and optimize labor efficiency staffing levels and overtime usage in alignment with business needs
- Maintain full ownership of cost performance including labor materials and operational expenses
- Lead develop and hold accountable a team of department managers across production maintenance warehouse and safety
- Partner with HR to manage workforce planning employee relations and performance management within both union and non-union environments
- Ensure compliance with all OSHA safety regulations and drive a culture of safety accountability and continuous improvement
- Identify and execute process improvements that deliver measurable gains in productivity cost reduction and operational efficiency
- Ensure inventory accuracy and alignment between production warehouse and planning functions
- Utilize ERP and reporting tools to monitor performance analyze trends and support data-based decision making
KeyQualifications
Successful candidates will bring a proven track record of leading large-scale manufacturing operations with full functional ownership. The ideal candidate is a hands-on results-driven leader with strong operational discipline the ability to develop frontline leadership and demonstrated success improving performance across production labor cost safety and quality.
- 10 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
- Prior experience leading a large-scale plant or complex operation
- Experience in metal manufacturing or a similar industrial environment strongly preferred
- Proven ability to lead large multi-functional teams through managers and supervisors
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach
- Experience operating in or alongside union environments and collective bargaining agreements
- Proficiency with ERP systems production reporting tools and Microsoft Office
- Strong written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred; ability to communicate effectively with a diverse production-based workforce is critical
Education and Experience
- Bachelors degree preferred not required
- 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience required
- Prior large-scale plant or multi-function operational leadership required
- Experience in metal manufacturing or similar industrial environment strongly preferred
Administrative / Office Physical & Mental Demands
The physical demands described below are representative of thoseto successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be providedin accordance withapplicable federal and state laws.
Employees in this role are primarily engaged in office-based work and aregenerally requiredto sit for extended periods while using a computer telephone and other standard office equipment. The position may also require occasional standing walking bending or reaching while performing routine office tasks. Employees may occasionally lift or move office materials such as files documents or small equipment typically up to 1520 pounds.
Employees must have adequate vision and hearing to effectively use a computerparticipatein meetings and communicate with colleagues and external contacts.
Mental demands include the ability to analyze informationmaintainattention to detail manage multiple priorities exercise sound judgment and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Work Environment
Work is performed in both a professional office environment and within a manufacturing production environment. While many administrative duties are performed in an office setting a substantial presence on the production floor is required.
Employees may be exposed to moderate noise levels and other conditions typical of a manufacturing environment. Employees working on or visiting the production floor may be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment or PPE in accordance with company safety policies.
Compensation
This position is classified as exempt under applicable federal and state wage and hour laws and is not eligible for overtime pay.
The anticipated annual salary for this position is $150000.
This position is also eligible for a discretionary target bonus based on company performance individual performance and the terms and conditions of the applicable bonus plan. Actual compensation may vary based on experience qualifications skills internal equity and location.
This position is also be eligible for company benefits including medical dental vision life insurance disability benefits paid time off retirement plan benefits and retirement plan benefits in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit plans and company policies.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screening consistent with applicable federal state and local laws and company policy.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Edsal Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age disability veteran status genetic information or any other protected classification under applicable federal state or local laws.
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
Edsal Manufacturing Company is the name to trust when it comes to steel shelving and cabinets. We are an industry-trusted provider of commercial and industrial storage solutions in North America.