Operations Manager
Flex · Illinois
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Production
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 9+ years
- Certification
- Green Belt preferred
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A management production role at Flex (industrial) in Illinois. Plan, organize and lead production ramps to meet customer demand increases.
- They ask for
- 9+ years · degree required · Green Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Green Belt, Kaizen, 5S, ISO 13485
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Production Engineer roles in Illinois: typical posted base $100k–$150k.
Median of the low and high ends of 16 live postings that list pay, out of 31 production engineer openings in Illinois, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Illinois plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 30 other live production postings in Illinois.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (9+ vs 5+)
Typical $100k–$150k, from 16 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Lean 52%
- Team leadership 35%
- ✓ Six Sigma 29%
- ✓ 5S 29%
- EHS / safety 29%
- Root cause 26%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Green Belt, ISO 13485, FDA / GMP, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Flex
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- The posting mentions a Green Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from FlexAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to oversee operations of the production of medical device components. This position is responsible for managing the overall production function, while collaborating with program management, quality assurance, engineering, maintenance, and supply chain functions to ensure compliance with ISO 13485, FDA regulations, and internal quality standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, deep manufacturing knowledge, and a commitment to continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- ◆Oversee daily operations of injection molding production to meet or exceed safety, quality, delivery, and cost goals.
- ◆Ensure compliance with all regulatory and quality system
requirements
(e.g., ISO 13485, FDA cGMP).
- ✓Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and best practices.
- ✓Collaborates with management, production, and the commercial team to evaluate manufacturing feasibility leading to quote compilation for new and existing products.
- ✓Forecasts operating costs of department and directs preparation of budget requests.
- ✓Partners with team and management in the development of the strategic plan and Annual Operating Plan (AOP) for the function.
- ✓Reviews and establishes material, equipment, and manpower resource requirements.
- ✓Prioritizes production schedules based on product introduction, equipment efficiency, and materials supply to meet customer requirements.
- ✓Coordinates production activities with other functional groups such as planning and distribution.
- ✓Selects and develops personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the production function.
- ✓Accountable for controlling manufacturing operation and ensuring that production quality and cost targets are met.
- ✓Develop customer relationships to be the partner of choice.
- ✓Plan, organize and lead production ramps to meet customer demand increases.
- ✓Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, 5S, KAIZEN and other methodologies.
- ✓Explores technology trends and market demand to plan projects.
- ✓Collaborate with Engineering on design for manufacturability (DFM), mold validation, and new product introduction (NPI).
- ✓Manage staffing, training, performance reviews, and development of team members
- ✓Monitor KPIs and use data to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, scrap reduction, and downtime.
- ✓Oversee plant scheduling, capacity planning, and resource allocation.
- ✓Ensure proper preventive maintenance and readiness of molding equipment and tooling.
- ✓Coordinate with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure material availability and inventory optimization.
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
- ✓Minimum of 9 years’ experience in a manufacturing leadership role, with at least 5 years in plastic injection molding.
- ✓Strong knowledge of medical device manufacturing standards and regulations (ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR Part 820).
- ✓Demonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
- ✓Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- ✓Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- ✓Demonstrates detailed expertise in very complex functional/technical area or broad breadth of knowledge in multiple areas; understands the strategic impact of the function across sites.
- ✓Demonstrates advanced people and/or process management skills as well as customer (external and internal) relationship skills.
- ✓Demonstrates knowledge of multiple functional technologies/processes, industries or functions and understanding of interdependencies of such processes at the site.
- ✓To perform the major job
responsibilities
the use of the following tools may be required: Office Skills: telephones, word processing, spreadsheet (PC), presentation and database software.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world.
A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.
Preferred
- +Certification in Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher), PMP, or Lean.
- +Experience with Class I, II, or III medical device manufacturing.
- +Scientific Injection molding process knowledge
- +Working knowledge of molds and tool maintenance
MF15
What you'll receive for the great work you provide
- •Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans
- •Life Insurance
- •Short-term and Long-term Disability
- •Matching 401(k) Contributions
- •Vacation and Paid Sick Time
- •Tuition Reimbursement
