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Posted June 11, 2026
Illinois Tool Works

Plant Manager

Carol Stream, Illinois, United States of America Full time
Reference: JR8455

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Plant Manager is a key member of the operations team, reporting to the North America Operations Manager, and is responsible for leading all manufacturing operations at the facility.

The Plant Manager drives daily operations and long-term performance by coordinating production, managing materials, overseeing engineering and customer service functions, and ensuring a strong focus on safety and regulatory compliance. This position is accountable for achieving production targets, optimizing processes, maintaining quality standards, and delivering cost-effective results.

In partnership with the NA Operations Manager and broader leadership team, the Plant Manager supports the execution of division goals and strategic objectives. Success in this role requires strong leadership, operational excellence, and the ability to foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Define and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people metrics.

  • Direct and coordinate the activities of manufacturing personnel to ensure effective and efficient production.  Works with staff to develop process improvements, documenting processes and maintaining work instructions.

  • Oversee quality systems and ensure consistency of standards across all facilities

  • Staff, trains, evaluates, coaches, and guides employees.  Enforcing policies/procedures, and counseling when necessary. Cross trains employees.  

  • Foster a safety-first environment, driving behavioral change and developing safety-focused teams.

  • Cultivate a high-performance culture, promoting accountability, engagement, and a shared commitment to excellence.

  • Communicate vision and strategy clearly throughout the plant, aligning teams around common goals.

  • Direct all day-to-day plant operations, ensuring delivery of quality products on time.

  • Monitor, control, and optimize production output, cost, and efficiency in alignment with customer expectations.

  • Apply capacity scheduling models to proactively manage constraints and support delivery and growth commitments.

  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives using ITW Toolbox to reduce waste and improve productivity.

  • Own and manage the P&L, identifying opportunities to improve profitability and operational leverage.

  • Ensure effective cost control and resource utilization aligned with budgetary goals.

  • Supervise the coordination and execution of daily/weekly production schedules.

  • Apply the ITW Principles 80/20 and USa to eliminate complexity and improve profitability of the company.

  • Other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering or technical degree preferred

Experience/Skills: Minimum 5-year(s) experience in Manufacturing or Production related field. Knowledgeable of safety, quality, productivity, and inventory processes. Demonstrated experience successfully leading and implementing continuous improvement. Strong ability to manage through complexity and lead through change.  Strong attention to detail, well organized and able to solve complex problems.  Ability to self-manage time to complete multiple tasks by required deadlines.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS

Physical/Visual Activities or Demands: Physical/visual activities or demands that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee will constantly (67% - 100%) be required to twist/turn, stand, walk, and grasp, and frequently (34% - 66%) be required to bend/squat, crawl, handle and manipulate small items. They will occasionally (1% - 33%) be required to climb, reach above shoulder, reach outward, sit, and type.

  • The employee may carry up to 10 pounds constantly, up to 50 pounds frequently, and use safe lifting methods to move 75 pounds occasionally. The employee may push and pull up to 10 pounds constantly, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 75 pounds occasionally.

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include concentrated attention to reading and preparing documents. 

  • Manual dexterity: ability to place products into cartons, unfold cartons, close cartons.

Working Conditions: Commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

Typical Office (50%)  Plant Conditions (50%)

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids that may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position:

Computer, Microsoft Office Suite, calculator, telephone, scanners, printers, ERP

License(s)/Certification(s) Required: N/A

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws.

Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

"Commonly associated" is not intended to mean always or only. There are different experiences that suggest other ways or circumstances where reasonable changes or accommodations are appropriate.

All activities, demands, conditions and requirements are linked to essential job functions.

As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, ITW does not discriminate in hiring or in the terms and conditions of employment because of an individual's race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, arrest record, citizenship or other categories protected by federal, state or local laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disability

Compensation Information:

$130-$150

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 


As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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