General Manager, Operations

You may not know our name, but you know our products.  What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday.

Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.

We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us.  Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.

Come build a career you believe in.

About the Role

As a General Manager, Operations at Wheatland Tube, a division of Zekelman Industries, Rochelle, IL, you will play a key role in integrating and managing manufacturing facilities within the Business Unit. This role drives operational excellence by ensuring safe, efficient production processes that enhance yields, output, and overall business growth. This role is perfect for a strategic leader who thrives on fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and financial discipline while aligning manufacturing performance with company goals.

Pay: $195k - $250k plus bonus

What You’ll Do

• Develops and implements manufacturing and operational strategies to maximize capacity utilization and achieve growth and profitability objectives.
• Builds a high-performance culture centered on accountability, operational excellence, and safety.
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations, legal requirements, quality standards, and company policies.
• Establishes policies and programs to optimize production schedules, cost efficiency, and quality.
• Identifies and integrates technological advancements to maintain a competitive edge in the market.
• Leads new manufacturing initiatives, including resource allocation, organizational structure, production systems, and best practices for efficiency.
• Provides strong leadership that fosters teamwork, high morale, and positive employee relations across all levels, including the shop floor.
• Oversees operations, logistics, and financial discipline across all manufacturing plants.
• Meets and exceeds performance targets consistently to ensure profitability.
• Ensures adherence to company systems, policies, and guidelines.
• Collaborates with HR to evaluate, coach, and develop team performance.
• Leads and promotes healthy and safe work practices as required by regulatory agencies and Company policy.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Who You Are

• 12+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing operations; steel pipe and tube experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
• Strong organizational and strategic planning skills with the ability to prioritize key business needs.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address internal and external challenges.
• Results-driven, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to make strategic decisions with urgency.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with internal teams and customers.
• Proven leadership ability with experience coaching, mentoring, and motivating multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and active listening.
• Willingness and ability to travel within the U.S. and Canada as needed.

What You’ll Get

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, loyalty awards, and much more:

• Competitive Compensation
• Bonus Plan & Profit-Sharing Opportunities
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• Employee Loyalty Awards

Compensation & Benefits

Below is the expected base hourly range for this position. This is a good-faith estimate, and offers will be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and interview performance.
 

Base Hourly Range: $195k - $250k plus bonus

Additional compensation may include:

• Yearly merit-increase
• Profit-sharing bonus opportunities

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits.  In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.

M/F/D/V

We are Zekelman Industries.

We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.

We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.