General Manager

Location: Greater Chicago, Illinois areaA privately held global leader in the automotive and industrial fastener market is seeking an experienced General Managerto oversee a large manufacturing facility. This is an opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives in an environment of accountability and translates strategy into measurable results on the plant floor. The General Manager will have full P&L responsibility and oversee production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and logistics. This leader will set operational priorities while remaining visible and engaged with employees, customers, and corporate partners.

Responsibilities: Lead plant operations: Oversee production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and logistics, with full responsibility for facility performance and profitability. Drive operational excellence: Establish and execute priorities focused on safety, quality, equipment utilization, labor efficiency, productivity, and financial results. Lead from the floor: Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership presence, address issues promptly, and hold teams accountable. Strengthen customer relationships: Build trust and credibility with Tier 1 automotive customers by consistently meeting quality, delivery, and service requirements. Advance continuous improvement: Implement and sustain lean manufacturing initiatives to improve productivity, reduce costs, and strengthen margins. Develop a high-performing team: Coach leaders and employees while promoting safety, teamwork, accountability, and engagement. Solve problems collaboratively: Partner across departments to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions. Represent the facility: Serve as the operational representative with customers, auditors, and corporate leadership, maintaining a thorough understanding of operations and financial performance.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, a technical discipline, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in plant management or manufacturing operations. Experienceworking with Tier 1 automotive customers, including meeting their operational, quality, and delivery requirements. Small to midsize company experience preferred. Fastener industry experience preferred; a background combining fastener and chemical industry experience is especially desirable. ERP system experience; Plex preferred. Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and continuous improvement systems. Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to develop a disciplined, accountable team. A hands-on approach and the ability to work effectively across departments, with customers, and within a global organization. Compensation

Base salary: Starting at $150,000, based on experience.

Bonus: 20%, based on achieving financial targets. Phone allowance:$100 per month, paid through payroll. Car allowance:$700 per month, paid through payroll.

Benefits: Available beginning on the first day of employment: Health, dental, and vision insurance. Company-sponsored life and disability insurance. Flexible Spending Account. Ancillary coverage options, including accident, hospital, and critical illness insurance. Paid time off. Paid holidays; calendar provided upon hire. Additional benefits:401(k) and company matching, with eligibility after 60 days of employment. Tuition reimbursement, with eligibility after 90 days of employment.