Aegis is partnered with a well-established, family-owned OEM manufacturer in the Chicago area that has been designing and building highly engineered packaging automation equipment for over 100 years. This organization operates a 120,000+ square foot facility and controls its entire manufacturing process in-house, from raw material fabrication through full machine assembly and testing.

They are seeking a hands-on Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead daily machine shop and fabrication operations within a high-mix, low-volume environment.

This role oversees 30+ direct reports across CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, grinding, tooling, maintenance, and quality. This is not a desk role with the right leader on the floor driving production performance.

Daily Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate all production operations across machining and fabrication departments
• Develop and execute production schedules in collaboration with planning
• Oversee CNC mills and lathes; support troubleshooting when needed
• Drive KPIs across safety, quality, delivery, and productivity
• Lead Lean initiatives and conduct Gemba walks
• Manage hiring, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions
• Partner with union representatives and maintain compliance with agreements
• Collaborate cross-functionally with quality, engineering, and maintenance
• Support preventive maintenance and tooling optimization initiatives

Requirements:

• 5+ years manufacturing operations leadership experience
• Experience managing 30+ direct reports
• Strong CNC machining knowledge (mills & lathes; no programming required)
• Union experience required
• Experience leading fabrication and welding teams
• Bachelor’s degree preferred (experience considered)
• Hands-on leadership style