Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Ottawa, Illinois

Job description:

About Coogee

Coogee is a values-driven manufacturing organization built on Integrity, Openness, Accountability, Innovation, and Working Together. We are committed to maintaining safe, sustainable operations while delivering high-quality products and fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Operations Manager to lead our Metal Powders Division. In this role, you will be responsible for the overall performance of the plant, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations while meeting production and financial targets.

This is a key leadership position where you will drive continuous improvement, develop teams, and ensure operational excellence across all aspects of the facility.

Key Responsibilities:

Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with all HSE standards and procedures

Lead daily plant operations to achieve production, quality, and efficiency goals

Oversee maintenance strategy and asset reliability to support uninterrupted operations

Manage budgets, monitor costs, and drive financial performance

Lead, coach, and develop a team of operators, supervisors, and technical staff

Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimize performance

Ensure strong process control, risk management, and operational discipline

Build and maintain relationships with local stakeholders, regulators, and emergency services

Qualifications:

Degree in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical preferred)

Minimum 5+ years of experience in chemical, manufacturing, or petrochemical operations

Proven success leading teams in a production or plant environment

Strong understanding of safety systems, plant operations, and cost management

What You Bring

Strong leadership presence with the ability to engage, mentor, and develop teams

Sound decision-making and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment

Financial acumen, including budgeting and cost control

A continuous improvement mindset with a focus on results and accountability

Why Join Coogee

Be part of a safety-driven and team-oriented culture

Lead an essential operation with high impact and visibility

Opportunity to shape plant performance and drive meaningful improvements

Work with a company that values people, innovation, and operational excellence

Apply Today

If you are a results-driven operations leader ready to make a measurable impact, we encourage you to apply and join the Coogee team.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Chemical, manufacturing or petrochemical operations: 5 years (Required)