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Operations Leader Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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$12

$27

$62

How much do operations leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for operations leader in Illinois is $27.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Operations Leader vs Operations Manager?

AspectOperations LeaderOperations Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, leadership experience, industry-specific certificationsBachelor's degree, management experience, certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-department collaboration, high-level decision makingOverseeing daily operations, team management, process optimization
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, corporate settings, and industries like manufacturing and logisticsCommon in various industries including retail, manufacturing, and service sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, strategic responsibilitiesManaging daily operations, team leadership

The main difference between an Operations Leader and an Operations Manager lies in their scope and focus. Operations Leaders typically focus on strategic planning and high-level decision making, while Operations Managers oversee daily operations and team management. Both roles require relevant experience and certifications, but Operations Leaders often operate at a higher strategic level within organizations.

What are 5 careers in operations leadership?

Five careers in operations leadership include Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Director, Production Supervisor, and Business Operations Director. These roles typically require strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills, often supported by experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and relevant certifications. They involve overseeing daily operations, optimizing processes, and managing teams to ensure efficiency and productivity.

What does an operations leader do?

An operations leader oversees the daily activities and strategic planning of an organization to ensure efficiency and productivity. They manage teams, optimize processes, and implement policies, often using tools like project management software, and require strong leadership and organizational skills.

What is an operations leader?

Operations Leaders are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the daily activities of a company's operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, and quality. They coordinate between various departments, implement process improvements, and monitor key performance indicators. Operations Leaders play a crucial role in strategic planning, resource allocation, and problem-solving to help organizations achieve their goals. Their leadership ensures that business operations run smoothly and align with overall company objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations leader?

To thrive as an Operations Leader, you need strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills, often supported by a degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, process improvement methodologies (like Lean or Six Sigma), and project management certifications is highly valuable. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for driving operational efficiency, leading teams, and ensuring organizational objectives are met effectively.

What are some common challenges operations leaders face when managing cross-functional teams?

Operations Leaders often navigate challenges such as aligning diverse team priorities, ensuring clear communication across departments, and balancing competing deadlines. Collaboration between different functions—like logistics, production, and customer service—requires strong relationship-building skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Successful Operations Leaders foster a culture of transparency and continuous improvement to address these challenges, enabling their teams to work cohesively toward shared organizational goals.

Is operations a high paying job?

Operations leaders typically earn higher salaries compared to many other management roles, with compensation varying based on industry, experience, and company size. They often receive additional benefits such as bonuses and stock options, especially in larger organizations or in roles requiring advanced skills in logistics, process improvement, and team management.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Leader jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Operations Leader jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Operations Leader jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Operations Leader job openings:
Operations Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operations Leader job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,338 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Air Export Operations Leader

A.P. Møller - Maersk A/S

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$75K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Maersk is seeking an experienced Air Export Operations Leader to lead a team of Air Export and Gateway Operations professionals. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, team performance, KPI achievement, and service delivery while serving as the primary escalation point for shipment and customer issues. The successful candidate will bring strong air export and gateway operational knowledge and a passion for developing people and leading teams.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of Air Operations professionals
  • Manage team performance, KPIs, productivity, and service delivery
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for complex shipment and customer issues
  • Drive operational excellence and customer satisfaction
  • Partner with Air Product, Sales, Finance, Warehouse, CHB, Transportation, and other stakeholders
  • Support day-to-day air export and gateway operations as needed
  • Ensure compliance with SOPs, IOPs, regulatory requirements, and company procedures
  • Support customer implementations and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred
  • Air freight forwarding experience required
  • Strong air export operational knowledge required
  • Gateway operations experience, including airline coordination and consolidations, preferred
  • Leadership, team lead, coaching, or people development experience preferred
  • Strong customer service, problem-solving, and escalation management skills
  • Ability to multitask and perform effectively in a fast-paced operational environment
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and operational systems

Pay Range: $75,000.00 - $84,000.00*
*The stated pay range is the anticipated starting salary and may be adjusted based on market conditions, experience, and location. Final compensation will be discussed directly with the selected candidate(s) in compliance with all applicable laws.
Company Benefits
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• RRSP+ Company Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Work Schedules (when possible)
• Career Advancement: Opportunities for professional development
• And more!
#LI-XC1 #RPO
Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.
We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing accommodationrequests@maersk.com.

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