Operations Manager Jobs in Milan, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lead Excellence in Aircraft Paint OperationsElliott Aviation, a leader in business aviation services since 1936, is seeking a Senior Manager of Paint Operations to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for our aircraft paint business.This role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality aircraft refinishing operations while driving customer satisfaction, employee engagement, regulatory compliance, and financial performance.The Senior Manager of Paint Operations will lead a team of supervisors, paint leads, painters, and support personnel while overseeing all aspects of aircraft paint production, quality, scheduling, resource planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced aviation leader who is passionate about operational excellence and delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced MRO environment.Position SummaryThe Senior Manager of Paint Operations is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of aircraft paint operations. This position ensures aircraft are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with FAA requirements, OEM specifications, company quality standards, and customer expectations. The role partners closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Planning, Customer Experience, and Sales teams to support company growth and operational success.Essential ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipLead all aircraft paint operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production.Develop and execute operational strategies that support growth, customer satisfaction, and profitability objectives.Manage production schedules, workflow planning, staffing utilization, and resource allocation.Monitor shop capacity and develop workforce plans that align with business demand.Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution and on-time aircraft delivery.Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase productivity, quality, and operational performance.Quality & Regulatory ComplianceEnsure all paint activities meet FAA regulations, OEM requirements, company procedures, and customer specifications.Establish performance metrics and quality standards that promote workmanship excellence.Lead investigations into quality discrepancies and implement corrective actions.Maintain compliance with quality management systems, documentation, and inspection requirements.Safety & Environmental StewardshipFoster a culture of safety, accountability, and operational discipline.Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, environmental, and hazardous material requirements.Oversee paint booth operations, ventilation systems, waste disposal practices, and environmental controls.Conduct routine safety reviews and implement risk mitigation measures.Financial ManagementDevelop and manage departmental operating budgets.Monitor labor efficiency, productivity, material consumption, and operational expenses.Track key performance indicators and implement actions to improve performance.Partner in project estimating, forecasting, and capital planning activities.Talent LeadershipRecruit, develop, coach, and retain high-performing team members.Establish performance expectations and accountability standards.Conduct performance reviews and succession planning activities.Build a culture focused on engagement, teamwork, and continuous development.Customer ExperienceServe as a key operational contact during aircraft paint projects.Ensure customer requirements, branding standards, and delivery commitments are achieved.Support customer meetings, facility tours, project reviews, and delivery presentations.Resolve customer concerns and maintain strong business relationships.QualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.Minimum of 10 years of aircraft paint, refinishing, completions, or aviation coatings experience.Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing aircraft paint operations, aviation manufacturing operations, or FAA-regulated MRO environments.Strong knowledge of aircraft paint systems, coating technologies, application methods, and surface preparation procedures.Demonstrated success managing teams, budgets, workforce planning, and operational metrics.Strong understanding of FAA, OSHA, EPA, and quality management requirements.Excellent communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.Ability to obtain and maintain required airport security credentials.PreferredBusiness aviation MRO experience.Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience.Knowledge of Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault Falcon, Embraer, and Textron aircraft platforms.Experience leading multiple paint lines or large-scale paint operations.BenefitsAt Elliott Aviation, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.Our benefits include:Medical, Dental, and Vision InsuranceHealth Savings Account (HSA)Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)401(k) with Company MatchCompany-Paid Life InsuranceShort-Term and Long-Term Disability InsurancePaid Time OffPaid HolidaysEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Professional Development OpportunitiesTuition Assistance ProgramsEmployee Discount ProgramsRelocation Assistance (where applicable)Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and plan provisions.Physical RequirementsAbility to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.Ability to climb ladders, stairs, platforms, and lifts to inspect aircraft and work areas.Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.Ability to work in environments with noise, fumes, chemicals, paint-related materials, and varying temperatures.Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.Work ScheduleThis position typically works standard business hours; however, flexibility is required to support production schedules, customer commitments, operational needs, and occasional weekend or extended-hour requirements.Why Elliott Aviation?For 90 years, Elliott Aviation has been a trusted provider of aviation services, combining technical expertise with an unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Our team members take pride in supporting some of the most respected aircraft owners and operators in the industry while building rewarding careers in aviation.Join a company where your leadership can make a meaningful impact on our people, customers, and continued growth.Compensation$110,000 - $160,000 annuallyActual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including experience, education, certifications, specialized technical expertise, leadership background, and overall qualifications.Equal Employment OpportunityElliott Aviation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.