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Operations Manager

O&K American Corp.
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 1/4/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 3/4/2026

Who is O&K American Corp?

We have been supplying high-quality cold heading steel wire to our customers for over 100 years! Through continuous innovation, a proactive approach to challenges, and the expertise of our exceptional team, we consistently deliver quality products that meet the highest standards. Our facilities are located in Chicago, IL and Seymour, IN.

Would you like to join the O&K Team?

At O&K, our mission is to Think Beyond Impossible. We encourage a mindset that challenges boundaries, transforms the impossible into achievable outcomes, and drives innovation forward.

Is that you? Do you believe in making the impossible possible?

Job purpose

The Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day manufacturing of products: measuring both the quality and quantity of production. The Operations Manager reports to the Chief Manufacturing Officer.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Oversee all manufacturing operations and property management.
  • Implement strategies to reduce cost and improve quality and quantity of production.
  • Implement and monitor budgets, labor efficiency, material usage, engineering, safety and environmental, utility usage, and delivery standards.
  • Manage a staff of individuals directly responsible for manufacturing.
  • Implement actions to resolve problems.
  • Provide leadership and promote communications among all team members.
  • Interact with scheduler, sales, and QA team to ensure orders are being produced to be delivered on time.
  • Monitor hours of productivity and rejects to discuss on weekly KPI meetings.
  • Monitor and enter downtime and scrap data. Print charts for distribution of department boards.
  • Complete 90 days and annual performance reviews, prepare data for supervisors.
  • Develop, recruit, train, promote cross-training, and maintain staffing needs.
  • Enter and complete weekly schedules for entire plant.
  • Approve all purchase orders and invoices for accounting to process.
  • Develop and monitor preventive maintenance program.
  • Develop and coordinate maintenance shutdown plans and schedule.
  • Assist with team member training programs.
  • Schedule for scrap and waste compactor pick up and log onto server.
  • Assure that plant is kept clean and organized, maintaining a safe and orderly workplace.
  • Implement 6S program.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Management required, or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
  • Strong managerial and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent communication skills – written, verbal and presentation; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with all levels of staff, management, and vendors, persuade and collaborate with team and peers.
  • Several years of manufacturing management experience, preferably steel wire manufacturing.
  • Effective computer skills, MS Suite (Word, Excel)

Working conditions

  • This job operates in all areas the plant: including and not limited to production floor, offices, warehouse, storerooms, outdoor work, etc.
  • Maybe exposed to elements such as noise, dust, fumes and odors.
  • Physical requirements
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit or stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands.
  • Must be able to identify and distinguish colors.
  • Requires work in some confined space areas.
  • Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in posted areas of the plant, including safety glasses, ear plugs, high visibility safety vest, and safety metatarsal shoes.
  • Able to pull/lift up to 50 lbs.
  • IATF 16949 knowledge and implementation skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead an organization
  • Team oriented individual
  • Ability to think strategically

Direct Reports

Administrative Assistant, Maintenance Leader, Shipping Leader, and Operations Leaders.


All candidates considered for hire will be subject to passing background check, Drug/ physical test, and E-Verify.

We offer...

• A GREAT Team-Orientated Culture
• Competitive Wages
• Health, Dental, and Optical Insurance
• 401k with Yearly Employer Profit Share
• Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance (AD&D)
• Vacation Time / Paid Sick Leave / Paid Leave / 9 Paid Holidays
• $150/yr Uniform Allowance and $100/yr Safety Shoe Allowance


You've considered the rest. Now work for the best!

O&K and E-verify
At O&K, we are an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.

O&K validates right to work using E-Verify. O&K will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.


Recruiters - DO NOT contact us with unsolicited services or offers. 

Salary : $90,000 - $120,000

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