Machine Shop Manager

Machine Shop Manager - Confidential Steel Manufacturer | Chicago, IL A long-established and highly respected U.S. steel manufacturer is seeking a Machine Shop Manager to lead and grow its machining department at a large-scale production facility located in the Chicago metro area . This is a high-impact leadership opportunity with tremendous visibility, reporting directly to senior plant leadership and overseeing a large team of supervisors and skilled machinists across multiple shifts. The role is well-suited for a hands-on, shop-floor leader with strong experience in machining operations, personnel management, and continuous improvement. Why This Opportunity Stands Out: Influence & Leadership : You'll oversee one of the most critical departments in the plant, managing 6 direct reports and nearly 100 indirect reports. Your leadership will directly impact output, quality, and safety. Career Growth : This role offers a clear path to a higher-level superintendent role for those ready to take the next step. Cutting-Edge & Custom Production : The operation spans a wide range of manual and CNC machines, producing complex parts for high-performance applications across various industries. Stable, Growth-Oriented Employer : This company has been a foundational name in North American manufacturing for over 100 years and is continuing to invest in innovation and talent. Key Responsibilities: Lead daily operations for a large machining department (70+ machines, mostly manual with select CNC). Supervise, coach, and develop a team of 6+ supervisors and a unionized workforce across 3 shifts. Oversee scheduling, production targets, and KPIs such as cycle time, material removal rates, and tooling costs. Drive quality assurance initiatives in coordination with QA teams to meet tight customer specs. Champion continuous improvement efforts using lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. Collaborate with leadership across procurement, quality, and engineering to align machining performance with broader plant goals. Enforce strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all site policies and procedures. What We're Looking For: 5+ years of machining or heavy manufacturing experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role. In-depth understanding of manual machining (lathes, mills, saws) and familiarity with CNC operations. Ability to manage and inspire seasoned machinists in a union environment. Proficiency in CAD/CAM (SolidWorks preferred) and ERP systems (SAP experience is a plus). Strong organizational, communication, and decision-making skills. A hands-on, visible leader who spends time on the floor, not just in the office. Nice to Have: CNC programming background Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Experience with KPIs, lean manufacturing, and tooling/materials budgeting Compensation & Schedule: Salary range: $115,000-$130,000+ (up to $150,000 for exceptional candidates) Schedule: Primarily 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM , with flexibility based on plant needs Full benefits package + career advancement potential Apply now if interested! Maintain shop supply and keep workflow efficient through shopServe as manager to shop departmentAssign duties to shop workersSupervise the shop mechanics staffMaintain clean and safe shopDirect the work of shop personnelManaging flow of the detailing shopSupervise print shop and mailroom staffOverseeing all operations within the machine shopTrack all products passing through the shopSet up and operate all shop equipmentDirect and manage all shop operations with overall responsibilities for shop maintenance, quality and safetyMaintain a clean shop and presentable equipmentAssisting with shop fabrication and assembly detailsMaintain and give updates to shop scheduleCoordinate workflow and make sure the shopOrganize and monitor machine shop safety including certifying shop users to use equipment and machineryMaintain prototype shop capital and expense budgetsDirect shop personnel and assign daily taskStrive for continuous improvement of all shop operations

Created: 2025-06-05