Knowledge Operations Manager Jobs in Chenoa, IL (NOW HIRING)

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Additional Requirements: Occasional coverage on nights and weekends

Preferred Experience: Distribution and Automotive manufacturing environments

Annual salary, $125k - $135k plus bonus

We are seeking an experienced General Manager - Operations Excellence to lead a high-volume distribution operation with a strong focus on people, performance, safety, and continuous improvement. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence by overseeing warehouse operations, labor management, process improvement, training, safety, and financial performance.

The ideal candidate is an experienced operations leader with a proven ability to build high-performing teams, optimize processes, establish performance metrics, and deliver measurable business results. This individual will identify operational opportunities, develop strategic improvement plans, and drive execution through key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Share responsibility for site financial performance and operational results.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent while building a strong leadership pipeline.
• Establish performance goals aligned with business objectives and ensure accountability across all levels of the operation.
• Develop and manage financial plans that support operational goals.
• Monitor operational metrics, labor productivity, and financial performance to drive continuous improvement.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to solve customer and operational challenges.
• Analyze data from multiple sources to make informed business decisions.
• Foster a culture of learning through coaching, mentoring, training, and employee development.
• Promote open communication and maintain a positive, collaborative work environment.
• Proactively identify and resolve employee relations issues.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Evaluate existing processes and implement operational improvements.
• Coordinate activities across multiple shifts to ensure workload is completed efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with all OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
• Oversee workforce planning, scheduling, equipment utilization, and daily operational priorities.
• Review labor requirements based on business demand and staffing forecasts.
• Cross-train employees and allocate labor resources to support changing operational needs.
• Lead hiring, interviewing, attendance management, coaching, performance management, and corrective action processes.
• Supervise, train, evaluate, and develop managers and hourly employees.
• Conduct regular one-on-one coaching sessions, team meetings, and employee development discussions.
• Ensure employees have the tools, training, and resources necessary to perform successfully.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, customers, and team members.

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a fast-paced distribution or warehouse environment with high SKU volume.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing operations and teams.
• Experience in customer-focused distribution or logistics operations.
• Proven record of improving operational performance through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong financial and operational acumen, including budget management and labor planning.
• Ability to lead effectively, make sound decisions, and influence cross-functional teams.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience managing projects within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Knowledge of state and federal transportation regulations.
• Working knowledge of risk management principles.

Most work is performed in both an office and warehouse environment. Regular time is spent throughout the facility where exposure to forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyors, trailers, and other material handling equipment is expected.

The position requires walking the operation daily, standing for extended periods, and occasional travel (up to 5%), including limited weekend travel as needed.

• Warehouse Shift Managers
• Facility Maintenance Supervisor
• Production Control Managers
• Human Resources/Risk Manager
• Training and Safety Supervisors

• All warehouse and operations associates within the facility

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