At Fusion Recruiters, we partner with incredible organizations that are doing meaningful work — and this opportunity is no exception. We’re excited to support a company recognized for its long‑standing heritage in precision engineering, commitment to innovation, and U.S.-based manufacturing excellence in their search for a hands‑on and strategic Director of Operations to join their onsite team in Des Plaines, IL.

As the Director of Operations, you’ll play a key role in leading and optimizing all manufacturing operations, ensuring that production, safety, quality, and delivery goals are met. You’ll report to senior leadership and will have the opportunity to drive continuous improvement, align cross-functional teams, and elevate operational performance across the plant.

This is a chance to bring your expertise to a company that values high craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous growth, where your leadership will shape the way high-precision tools are made.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee and coordinate manufacturing operations across multiple departments: assembly & calibration, polishing & chrome plating, CNC machining, press work, shipping, maintenance, and grounds.
• Lead and develop department supervisors, ensuring optimal staffing, training, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Drive safety, quality, and delivery standards across all manufacturing functions.
• Collaborate with leadership to plan production schedules for a broad SKU mix (~1,200 SKUs), managing raw materials, subassemblies, and inventory.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to optimize process flow.
• Leverage ERP/MRP data to track performance, capacity, and key operational KPIs.
• Maintain regulatory compliance — including OSHA, EPA, and other relevant standards — in coordination with department leads.
• Coordinate internal and external logistics, including subcontracted services like heat treating and surface finishing, and manage work‑in‑progress (WIP).
• Oversee maintenance programs, including preventive maintenance and tooling to ensure reliability and uptime.
• Support quality assurance by integrating QA processes into production workflows.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement on the shop floor.

What You’ll Bring

• Minimum of 7 years’ manufacturing leadership experience, ideally in a low‑ to medium-volume, high-mix environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Hands-on experience with a variety of manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, polishing, plating, assembly).
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with a practical, people-focused leadership style.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and experience using data to drive operational decisions.
• Experience ensuring and maintaining regulatory compliance, including safety and environmental standards.
• Preferred: mechanical aptitude, experience in mid-sized or family-run manufacturing companies, and a commitment to team development and continuous improvement.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Our client offers a collaborative, mission-driven environment where craftsmanship and precision matter. They take pride in producing high-quality tools, invest in their people, and embrace continuous improvement and lean thinking.

Highlights include:

• Heritage & Technical Mastery: Founded in 1938, the company pioneered torsion-bar dial wrenches and holds patents for innovations like the split-beam click wrench and external calibration design. 
• Comprehensive health benefits.
• 401(k)
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Stability & Reputation: A respected, family‑oriented business with decades of experience — delivering reliability and long-term relationships with customers. 

Take the Next Step

If this role resonates with your experience and ambition, we’d love to hear from you. Apply through Fusion Recruiters today to start a conversation about how your background and future goals align with this opportunity.