Operations Manager

Job Description:

The MIG Gun Division (Bernard / Tregaskiss) of Miller Electric, an ITW Company, is seeking a driven and experienced Operations Manager to lead daily operations at our Beecher, IL facility.

In this onsite role, you’ll be at the heart of shaping how we deliver excellence—driving production efficiency, safety, and quality through lean strategies and data-informed decisions. You’ll inspire a culture of ownership and growth, developing high-performing teams that thrive on accountability and collaboration. With safety as a cornerstone, you’ll lead initiatives that protect and empower our workforce while ensuring compliance and continuous improvement. Your leadership will extend across departments, guiding cross-functional projects and innovation efforts that move the business forward.

If you're ready to lead with purpose, build with precision, and make a lasting impact, this is your opportunity to help define the future of our operations.

How you will make an impact:

Elevate Operations Through Production Management

You’ll lead with purpose, using KPIs to drive smart decisions and improve delivery, quality, and efficiency. By implementing lean manufacturing tools like the ITW Toolbox (PLS, 80/20), you’ll streamline processes, reduce waste, and unlock operational excellence. Your strategic initiatives and policy leadership will align teams with both short-term goals and long-range vision—turning plans into performance.

Inspire and Grow High-Performing Teams

You’ll shape a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous growth. From hiring and mentoring to coaching and succession planning, you’ll empower individuals to thrive and contribute meaningfully. By championing the ITW Leadership Development framework and maintaining visible leadership on the floor, you’ll foster a motivated, engaged workforce ready to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Champion Safety, Quality, and Innovation Across the Organization

Through proactive safety leadership, you’ll cultivate a safety-first mindset that protects and empowers your team. You’ll ensure quality standards are not only met, but exceeded, resolving customer issues with precision and leading continuous improvement efforts. And by managing cross-functional projects and supporting new product development, you’ll help shape the future of the business—one innovation at a time.

What you need to do to be successful in this role:

• Build and Leverage Strong Relationships Across Teams
  Foster trust, collaboration, and respect with direct reports, peers, and cross-functional partners—living ITW’s values in every interaction.

• Lead Performance and Growth
  Set clear goals, provide consistent feedback, and coach employees to reach their full potential through intentional conversations, structured development, and performance management.

• Communicate with Clarity and Confidence
  Deliver clear, compelling messages across all levels of the organization—whether in writing, conversation, or presentations.

• Stay Organized and Focused
  Manage multiple priorities with discipline and agility, keeping projects and people aligned with business goals.

• Collaborate to Drive Results
  Work closely with departments like engineering, materials, and customer service to ensure seamless operations and shared success.

• Adapt and Thrive in a Fast-Paced Environment
  Embrace change with a proactive mindset, balancing multiple tasks while staying focused on what matters most.

• Lead Projects with Purpose
  Manage cross-functional initiatives with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, driving improvements that make a measurable impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management) required.

• Minimum 10 years of leading a team in a manufacturing environment within a facility employing 50+ production employees; focusing on safety, quality, and production.

• Demonstrated experience using a variety of operational excellence competencies including, but not limited to: Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, Visual Management, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Kaizen, Poke Yoke, ITW Toolbox, etc.

• Advanced knowledge of MS Excel.  Proficient in the use of MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and/or SharePoint to prepare reports, presentations, and analyses.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Dynamic 365 CRM (D365) is a plus.

• Must be available for up to 10% travel within the United States & Canada.

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk, hear, reach, grab, with hands and arms and regularly required to walk.  Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Combination of standard office and production environments. Frequent exposure to Manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold, machinery, and controlled chemicals. Exposure to frequent noises in production environment from drills, pneumatic tools, forklifts, and other general production activities.

Why ITW Welding?

Here’s what we offer to help you build the future you want:

• Generous Retirement Benefits – 401(k) match PLUS an additional retirement contribution to help you plan for the future.

• Paid Time Off – 11 paid holidays, 5 sick days, and vacation time to take time for what matters.

• Company-Paid Insurance – Life, AD&D, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability insurance to give you peace of mind.

• Family-Friendly Benefits – 4 weeks of paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement to support your family journey.

• Education Assistance – tuition reimbursement because we believe in investing in your personal and professional development.

At ITW Welding, we’re not just a place to work – we’re a community that empowers you to grow and make a real impact. For more details, visit our Benefits page. Join us and build a career that makes a difference!

Compensation Information:

The annual base salary range for this position is $120,000 – $140,000 annually. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. The company considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as geographic location, market, and business considerations. 

Additional Information

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.  

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.  

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.