Assistant Operations Manager Jobs in Pekin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Description ARi, headquartered in East Peoria, IL, USA, is a rapidly expanding global engineering enterprise. The essence of our "i" symbolizes our distinctiveness from competitors - an embodiment of innovation, intelligence, ingenuity, and insight. Boasting a diverse team of over 1,500 engineering experts hailing from various nations and cultures across the globe, we are excellently poised to provide intricate and personalized resolutions to our esteemed clients.

We are seeking a hands-on Production Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our engine processing and test cell facility. This role is responsible for coordinating all operational activities from engine receipt through testing, repackaging, staging, and shipment. The ideal candidate will drive daily execution, balance workflow across multiple work areas, coordinate labor and logistics, and ensure engines move efficiently through the operation while maintaining safety, quality, and schedule commitments.

Duties / Responsibilities Lead the daily execution of engine processing operations, ensuring production goals and customer schedules are met. Coordinate inbound and outbound logistics, including scheduling deliveries, shipments, and transportation activities. Manage loading and unloading of flatbed trucks using appropriate material handling procedures.

Schedule and coordinate engine movement into and out of test cells to maximize throughput and minimize downtime. Oversee engine staging, repackaging, storage, and outdoor inventory management. Balance daily workflow and labor assignments to support production targets of up to 10 engines per day.

Supervise production personnel and provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and training to ensure safe and efficient operations. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. Coordinate closely with logistics, engineering, test cell personnel, maintenance, and warehouse teams to resolve operational issues.

Monitor daily production metrics, identify bottlenecks, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency and throughput. Ensure accurate documentation, inventory tracking, and operational reporting. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while enforcing company safety policies.

Required Skills Strong production, manufacturing, or operations management experience. Experience coordinating logistics, shipping, receiving, and material movement. Hands-on leadership style with the ability to lead by example in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Experience scheduling work, balancing labor, and managing daily production priorities. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Excellent communication and cross-functional coordination abilities.

Knowledge of warehouse operations, inventory management, and material handling. Experience developing work instructions and improving operational processes. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and production reporting tools.

Education / Experience Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience will also be considered. 5+ years of experience in production, manufacturing, operations, warehouse, or logistics management.

Experience supervising production or operations teams in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Experience with scheduling, workflow planning, labor management, and production execution. Experience in heavy equipment, engine manufacturing, test operations, or industrial equipment is highly preferred.

Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement experience is a plus. The Benefits of Working at ARi At ARi, our commitment to our employees goes beyond the workplace, ensuring comprehensive benefits. From day one, full-time employees enjoy group health, dental, and life insurance coverage.

Additionally, vision coverage is accessible starting the following month. Recognizing the significance of rejuvenation, we provide paid time off, sick days, company holidays, and maternity/paternity leave to our full-time staff. In times of loss, we also offer bereavement support.

Furthermore, a 401(k) program is maintained for eligible employees. #LI-DNI