Engineering Jobs in Highwood, IL
92 positions found
North Chicago, IL (Onsite Required)
Contract: 12 months (potential to extend)
Rate: $43–$47/hour (based on benefit selection)
Orion Group is seeking a Clinical Project Manager I to support Clinical Supply Chain activities for our pharmaceutical client in North Chicago.
This role is responsible for managing clinical supply activities at the protocol level across Phase I–IV clinical trials, ensuring investigational drug supplies and related materials are delivered to global clinical sites on time and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
This is an excellent opportunity for professionals with experience in clinical development, supply chain, or pharmaceutical project management who are interested in supporting global clinical trial operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage clinical supply chain activities at the clinical protocol level for Phase I–IV clinical trials
- Coordinate forecasting, planning, scheduling, and execution of investigational drug supply distribution to clinical sites and depots
- Collaborate with Clinical Study Teams to support protocol design and optimize clinical supply planning
- Translate clinical study design requirements into packaging and labeling strategies
- Author the study medication and labeling sections of clinical protocols
- Develop protocol-specific labeling compliant with global regulatory requirements
- Create and manage project timelines, milestones, and supply logistics plans
- Conduct scenario analysis and develop risk mitigation and contingency plans for clinical supplies
- Forecast protocol-specific drug product requirements including comparators, ancillary supplies, and clinical trial commodities
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in:
– Physical or Biological Sciences
– Chemistry or Pharmacy
– Engineering
– Mathematics - 2+ years of experience within the pharmaceutical industry
- Drug discovery (Process Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry)
• Drug development (Formulation)
• Clinical operations / Clinical project management
• Clinical supply chain management
• Quality Assurance in regulated environments
Key Skills & Competencies
- Understanding of clinical development and global clinical supply chain processes
- Knowledge of regulatory compliance, SOPs, and GxP environments
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines in a fast-paced environment
- Effective cross-functional collaboration with teams including Clinical Operations, Quality Assurance, Analytical, and Supply Chain
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have experience working in clinical trials, pharmaceutical development, or clinical supply chain management, and will be comfortable coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure investigational product supplies are delivered efficiently and compliantly to clinical sites.
People are our business worldwide
Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.
Product Manager
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $110,000 – $130,000 + Annual Bonus
- Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage
- 401(k) with Company Match
About the Opportunity
Sterling Engineering is partnering with a leading organization to hire a Product Manager who will drive innovation, profitability, and strategic growth across a diverse product portfolio.
This role is ideal for a data-driven, strategic thinker who thrives in retail manufacturing or industrial product environments and enjoys balancing high-level strategy with hands-on execution. You’ll play a key role in shaping product direction—not just responding to customer requests, but proactively identifying opportunities that impact the broader market.
What You’ll Do
Product Strategy & Portfolio Management
- Lead product innovation through competitive analysis, gap identification, and market insights
- Manage and optimize product portfolios, including SKU rationalization and lifecycle management
- Identify new product opportunities aligned with business goals and market demand
- Own product data and performance metrics to drive strategic decision-making
- Partner with Supply Chain and Manufacturing to refine product specs, cost structures, and procurement strategies
New Product Development
- Develop and execute product roadmaps focused on innovation and value creation
- Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure successful product launches and market adoption
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across multiple product lines
Pricing Strategy
- Analyze market trends and competitor pricing to ensure optimal positioning
- Implement pricing strategies that drive both revenue growth and margin expansion
- Conduct pricing analysis and experiments to evaluate demand and profitability
Channel & Go-to-Market Strategy (Place & Promotion)
- Define and optimize sales channels (distribution, e-commerce, dealer networks, etc.)
- Partner with Marketing to develop promotional strategies, campaigns, and product positioning
- Support merchandising, packaging, and product content strategies across channels
- Build and manage promotional calendars aligned with key sales events and market opportunities
What We’re Looking For
- 3–5+ years of Product Management experience with a focus on strategy, innovation, and analytics
- Experience in retail manufacturing, industrial, or durable goods environments
- Strong background in competitive analysis, pricing strategy, and portfolio management
- Proven ability to influence internal product strategy at scale, beyond individual customer requests
- B2B experience preferred
- Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s preferred)
- Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Demonstrated career stability and long-term impact in prior roles
Job Title: Packaging Engineer
Location: North Chicago, IL
Hire Type: Open-ended Contract, Onsite
Target Pay Rate: $40.00 - $45.00/hour (W2)
Benefits: PTO, paid holidays, BCBS Medical plans, Dental/Vision plans, 401(k), and ESOP
Must-Have Skills:
- Packaging design & development experience (materials, structures, functionality)
- Packaging testing & validation expertise (performance, shipping, integrity)
- Manufacturing/plant experience (trials, troubleshooting, production support)
Job Summary:
The Packaging Engineer develops and implements packaging solutions for new and existing products, ensuring functionality, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with manufacturing. This role supports pharmaceutical and/or combination product packaging through design, testing, validation, and cross-functional collaboration.
Job Duties:
- Design and develop primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions
- Create and maintain packaging documentation (BOMs, specs, assembly instructions)
- Lead packaging validation and ensure compliance with FDA regulations (21 CFR 201, 210, 211)
- Develop and execute testing protocols (performance, container/closure integrity, shipping)
- Conduct plant trials, analyze results, and make recommendations on packaging viability
- Evaluate new materials and technologies to improve performance, cost, and efficiency
- Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to meet project timelines
- Support labeling, artwork review, and packaging design verification
- Troubleshoot packaging issues and support manufacturing operations
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, or related field
- 2+ years of packaging design experience.
- Strong knowledge of packaging materials (corrugate, plastics, cartons, films) and testing methods
- Experience with packaging validation, documentation, and regulatory requirements
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes and packaging equipment (e.g., form-fill-seal)
- Ability to create 2D drawings
- Experience with pharmaceutical or combination product packaging is a plus.
This role will be based out of our Northfield, IL corporate headquarters and will work a hybrid model.
Oversee and manage Product Teams (may have multiple reports including Product Manager and Senior Product Manager levels) for the sourcing, marketing, product development, sales support and financial growth of multiple product categories.
Assist with long-term business and marketing strategy.
Provide subject matter expertise for complex, generally more established product lines, largest divisional product lines, or multiple product categories.
Job Description Responsibilities Negotiate pricing with vendors for raw materials and finished goods.
Visit vendors to develop products and train personnel in all aspects of each product and usages.
Coordinate materials with vendors and develop finished custom items.
Implement marketing plans and promotional programs for existing products to include product strategy development, pricing strategy, collateral creation and brand management Offer solutions for detrimental sales or cost trends.
Analyze sales trends over time and impact of competitive strategies.
Support forecasts and budgets with appropriately detailed marketing plans.
Work with Product Teams, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Engineering to reduce Cost of Goods by assessing packaging, alternate materials, new sources of material, stocking, make to order, direct to customer shipments, etc.
Manage inventory by focusing on eliminating surplus and optimizing SKU count.
Develop and deliver training materials for internal stakeholders, sales forces and customers.
Create sales tools.
Conduct effective market research and translate that research into new products, product improvements, or line extensions by providing leadership to a multi-functional team.
Travel with sales force to support efforts to convert customers to purchase Medline products.
Provide timely follow up to sales forces by answering product questions via e-mail and phone.
Management responsibilities: Typically manages through multiple Managers and/or Supervisors
- Oversee major projects/programs/outcomes Budget responsibility Interpret and execute policies for departments/projects; develop, recommend and implement new policies or modifications to existing policies Provide general guidelines and parameters for staff functioning Hiring staff, recommending pay increases, performing performance reviews, training and development of staff, estimating personnel needs, assigning work, meeting completion dates, interpreting and ensuring consistent application of organizational policies Medline Industries, LP, and its subsidiaries, offer a competitive total rewards package, continuing education & training, and tremendous potential with a growing worldwide organization.
The anticipated salary range for this position: $134,000.00
- $201,000.00 Annual The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s location, education, experience, skills, and abilities.
This role is bonus and/or incentive eligible.
Medline will not pay less than the applicable minimum wage or salary threshold.
Our benefit package includes health insurance, life and disability, 401(k) contributions, paid time off, etc., for employees working 30 or more hours per week on average.
For a more comprehensive list of our benefits please click here .
For roles where employees work less than 30 hours per week, benefits include 401(k) contributions as well as access to the Employee Assistance Program, Employee Resource Groups and the Employee Service Corp.
We’re dedicated to creating a Medline where everyone feels they belong and can grow their career.
We strive to do this by seeking diversity in all forms, acting inclusively, and ensuring that people have tools and resources to perform at their best.
Explore our Belonging page here .
Medline Industries, LP is an equal opportunity employer.
Medline evaluates qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, neurodivergence, protected veteran status, marital or family status, caregiver responsibilities, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
For 70 years, our team has driven meaningful innovations in kidney care.
As we build on our legacy, we are deepening our commitment to elevating the dialysis experience through digital solutions and advanced services, while looking beyond kidney care and investing in transforming vital organ therapies.
Greater flexibility and efficiency in therapy administration for care teams, and longer, fuller lives for patients— that is what Vantive aspires to deliver.
We believe Vantive will not only build our leadership in the kidney care space, it will also offer meaningful work to those who join us.
At Vantive, you will become part of a community of people who are focused, courageous and don’t settle for the mediocre.
Each of us is driven to help improve patients’ lives worldwide.
Join us in advancing our mission to extend lives and expand possibilities.
Your Role: Responsible to ensure compliance with Regulatory, Corporate and Local Quality requirements and for providing Quality oversight of Vantive US and Canada warehousing and distribution operations, including internal warehouse site QA activities, internal renal fleet drivers, external warehousing partners (i.e., 3PL providers, wholesalers, freight forwarders and consolidation/ deconsolidation centers), and external transportation providers.
Oversight of distribution/warehouse-related external suppliers.
Act as a key partner with US and Canada Vantive Operations (including Supply Chain, Logistics and Fulfillment) to manage Quality requirements and oversight of all 3PL activities.
Responsible for compliance with FDA and Health Canada requirements, ISO standards and Vantive QMSby applying rigorous quality standards, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
What you'll be doing: Responsible for the implementation of Distribution QA activities to ensure compliance to FDA and Health Canada requirements.
This includes activities related to issue management (product dispositions, deviations, complaint investigations, holds), site QA management (pest control, temperature monitoring, returns, validation) and internal/supplier/3PL QA management (warehouses, internal private fleet, transportation carriers, suppliers impacting fulfillment).
Participate in discussions and on projects and cross-functional teams as required.
Support distribution and warehousing-associated external suppliers which includes audit support, supplier corrective action requests, quality/distribution agreements, new supplier requests, supplier notifications of change and change controls.
Work closely with UCAN planning and fulfillment organizations to meet business goals and objectives.
Facilitate and assist in GMP, ISO, US state distribution/pharmacy licensing and other internal/external audits and investigations pertaining to Vantive and/or 3PL facilities, where applicable.
What you'll bring: Able to manage multiple projects and/or responsibilities simultaneously Support in meeting and exceeding quality key performance indicators (KPIs) Solid understanding of FDA Regulations, Health Canada requirements and Application of Good Distribution Practices· Must be proficient with Microsoft Office and other data collection/analysis programs (e.g.
Minitab) Excellent interpersonal/communication/presentation/negotiation skills Must have basic English written and oral communication skills adequate to connect with other team members Initiative to be a subject matter expert in select processes and areas Supports ethical behaviors and decision-making Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s Degree required (preferably in science, engineering or equivalent field) Minimum of 3 years of experience in Quality, or related field in the medical products/pharmaceutical industry Experience preferred for the following: distribution and warehousing in US and Canada, Quality Management Systems, FDA and Health Canada regulations, supplier quality Vantive is committed to supporting the need for flexibility in the workplace.
We do so through our flexible workplace policy which includes a minimum of 3 days a week onsite.
This policy provides the benefits of connecting and collaborating in-person in support of our Mission.
We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career.
At Vantive, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.
The estimated base salary for this position is $80,000 to $90,000 annually.
The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position.
We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change.
Individual pay is based on upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors.
This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.
For questions about this, our pay philosophy, and available benefits, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply and are selected for an interview.
US Benefits at Vantive This is where your well-being matters.
Vantive offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles.
Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance.
Financial and retirement benefits include the Aon Pooled Employer Plan (“Aon PEP”), Vantive’s 401(k) retirement savings plan, to help you prepare for your future. The Aon PEP is designed to help improve retirement outcomes by providing retirement resources more efficiently. The plan offers a robust set of investment options, financial education, and a suite of resources to support your retirement goals.
We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time-off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave.
Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits.
Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees. For additional information regarding Vantive’s US Benefits, please speak with your recruiter or visit our Benefits site: Benefits | Vantive Equal Employment Opportunity Vantive is an equal opportunity employer.
Vantive evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Reasonable Accommodation Vantive is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally.
If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.
Form Link Recruitment Fraud Notice Vantive has discovered incidents of employment scams, where fraudulent parties pose as Vantive employees, recruiters, or other agents, and engage with online job seekers in an attempt to steal personal and/or financial information.
To learn how you can protect yourself, review our Recruitment Fraud Notice .
Location: Mettawa, IL
Work Model: Hybrid – onsite approximately one week per month
Contract Duration: Through December 2026 (extension likely)
Rate: $21-26/HR based on benefit selection
Orion Group's pharmaceutical client is seeking an Operations Support III professional to join the U.S. Patient Services (APS) Operations team. The APS organization is recognized as an industry leader in delivering high-quality patient support programs that enhance both patient satisfaction and brand loyalty.
This role provides operational coordination, reporting, and project support to ensure efficient service delivery across APS initiatives. The position reports to the Director or Associate Director of APS Operations and collaborates closely with internal teams and external vendors.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Coordination
- Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes in partnership with internal stakeholders and external vendors
- Support operational workflows to ensure continuity and efficiency of APS programs
- Identify and recommend process improvements and operational efficiencies within APS operations
- Support initiatives that enhance workflow consistency and service delivery quality
- Monitor and manage tickets within a custom issue management system
- Analyze trends, identify recurring issues, and support resolution efforts
- Provide project management and operational support across APS initiatives
- Develop and maintain routine reports using Microsoft Excel
- Create PowerPoint presentations for leadership and stakeholder updates
- Assist with special projects and ad hoc operational initiatives as assigned by APS Operations leadership
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Comfortable working across multiple systems and tools simultaneously
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
The ideal candidate is a highly organized operations professional who thrives in collaborative environments and enjoys supporting operational processes, reporting, and cross-functional initiatives.
Experience supporting healthcare, pharmaceutical, patient services, or operational teams is a plus.
People are our business worldwide
Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.
LHH Recruitment Solutions has partnered with a growing organization, and they are seeking a motivated Director, Indirect Procurement to join their team. You will lead a large, enterprise-wide spend portfolio. This is a highly visible role for a procurement leader who thrives in hands-on, stakeholder-facing environments and brings deep expertise across transportation, logistics, facilities, and utilities categories. This position offers the opportunity to shape strategy while remaining closely embedded in the business—working directly with executive leadership, plant operations, and cross-functional partners to drive value, resilience, and long-term capability.
The Opportunity:
The Director of Indirect Procurement will own and lead a $1B+ annual indirect spend portfolio, with primary emphasis on:
- Transportation and logistics (3PL – over-the-road and ocean).
- Warehousing and distribution services.
- Utilities, facilities, and site services.
This leader will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that balance cost, service, risk, and scalability across a multi-site manufacturing and operations footprint.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead enterprise-wide sourcing strategies across transportation, logistics, warehousing, utilities, facilities, and related indirect categories.
- Act as a trusted business partner to senior executives and site leadership, ensuring procurement is fully embedded in core business decisions.
- Drive total cost of ownership improvements while maintaining service continuity and supply assurance.
- Lead complex supplier negotiations and long-term contractual strategies across domestic and international providers.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships that enable innovation, flexibility, and performance improvement.
- Partner closely with operations, finance, engineering, and HR to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
- Develop and manage annual value creation targets, budgets, and performance metrics.
- Ensure procurement governance, policies, and standards are consistently applied across the organization.
Leadership & Talent Development:
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing indirect procurement team.
- Play an active role in hiring, onboarding, and succession planning for procurement talent.
- Establish clear performance expectations, development plans, and engagement rhythms.
- Foster a hands-on, collaborative culture that values accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Serve as a primary procurement interface to executive leadership and senior business stakeholders.
- Navigate complex, sometimes competing priorities across multiple plants and functions.
- Travel to manufacturing sites, vendors, and key stakeholders as needed (approximately 20–25%; majority of sites located in IL/WI).
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s Degree required; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
- Significant, progressive leadership experience in indirect procurement within large, complex organizations.
- Deep expertise in transportation procurement (3PL – over-the-road and ocean), warehousing, utilities, and facilities.
- Proven experience managing and influencing large-scale spend portfolios (approaching or exceeding $1B annually).
- Strong executive presence with the ability to influence, challenge, and partner at the senior leadership level.
- Hands-on leadership style with a track record of being embedded in the business.
- Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing, industrial, or asset-intensive environments.
- Background in organizations with mature procurement and sourcing functions.
- Exposure to international suppliers and global sourcing strategies.
Compensation Range: $200,000 - $240,000 + 25% Bonus
Benefits Offered: 3 weeks of vacation, paid sick leave where applicable by state law, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance Vision Insurance, 401K, and Life Insurance.
If you are a passionate Director, Indirect Procurementlooking for anew and rewarding career, please apply today! You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity!
LHH is a leader in permanent recruitment—and in the placement of top talent. Our areas of specialty include office administration, customer service, human resources, engineering, and supply chain and logistics. Please feel free to check us out and apply for other opportunities if this role isn’t a perfect match.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit
Job Description
Who will you be working with?
You'll be joining Wabtec Bus Solutions, a team driving innovation in Transit Bus & Rail systems, including passenger door systems, wheelchair lifts & ramps, e-Bus charging systems, driver’s protective barriers, and more. We blend technical expertise with deep product knowledge to deliver high-impact solutions for our customers and communities.
How will you make a difference?
As a Manufacturing Engineer II within Wabtec Bus Solutions, you will perform a variety of manufacturing engineering assignments including developing, evaluating and improving manufacturing methods within the industrial plant. Estimate production times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions. Confers with management, engineering, and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, and other considerations to facilitate production processes. Train technical as well as non-technical associations, assist others through moderate to complex tasks and apply statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements and potential issues while driving solutions.
What do we want to know about you?
You may be a good fit if you have:
- Bachelor's degree (B. S.) from four-year College or university; or three to six years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in Lean Manufacturing, FMEA, PFMEA ,Gemba events. Experience (6 months or more) in Auto-Cad, or ProE/ Solid Works is required.
- Exceptional technical and problem-solving skills and reasoning capability
- Must be a self-motivated and a great team worker
What will your typical day look like?
- Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
- Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
- Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
- Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
- Conduct DFMEA sessions to identify and mitigate design risks
What about the physical demands of the job?
- Primarily office-plant based work
- Use a computer for extended periods
- Occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds
- Stand, walk, and navigate facilities
- Occasional travel (10%) to customers and manufacturing sites
You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.
Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met.
Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable) and fitness for duty test (as applicable).
Additional Information
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $6 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at . Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.
#LI-JS1
LHH Recruitment Solutions has partnered with a growing organization, and they are seeking a motivated Tool Room Manager – Die Casting to join their team. This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who brings deep technical expertise, strong people leadership, and a sense of urgency to supporting manufacturing operations and customer commitments.
The Tool Room Manager will have full responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and performance of a multi-shift tool room, overseeing approximately 20–25 skilled tool room professionals. This role partners closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations to ensure tooling readiness, reliability, and continuous improvement.
If you are energized by building relationships with your team, improving processes, and solving real-world manufacturing challenges, this role offers both stability and visibility within the organization.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide direct leadership and oversight of the Tool Room team across shifts, fostering accountability, engagement, and development.
- Drive tooling availability, performance, and cost control to support production schedules and customer requirements.
- Plan and prioritize tooling workloads, maintenance, and repairs to meet changing production demands.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean manufacturing principles and 5S.
- Track tooling costs, labor efficiency, and performance metrics; identify opportunities for optimization.
- Support new product introductions, collaborating with cross-functional teams during launch and ramp-up.
- Evaluate and recommend capital equipment, tooling investments, dies, and molds.
- Ensure preventive maintenance programs are executed on dies, molds, and tool room equipment.
- Uphold all quality, safety, environmental, and compliance standards.
- Act as a trusted leader on the floor—coaching, mentoring, and developing talent within the tool room.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Proven leadership experience within a manufacturing environment, with a strong hands-on presence.
- Die Casting experience is required.
- Experience in metal stamping or injection molding.
- Demonstrated success managing skilled trades or tool room teams.
- Strong working knowledge of tooling processes, tool & die repair/build, and manufacturing best practices.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and communicate with urgency and clarity.
- Willingness to travel to customer sites within the U.S. on an occasional basis (a few times per year).
- Bilingual English/Spanish is highly preferred.
- Background in Lean manufacturing environments.
- Experience supporting automotive or high-volume manufacturing operations.
- CAD/CAM familiarity and strong technical troubleshooting skills.
Compensation Range: $110,000 - $130,000
Benefits Offered: 2 weeks of vacation, paid sick leave where applicable by state law, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance Vision Insurance, 401K, and Life Insurance.
If you are a passionate Tool Room Manager looking for anew and rewarding career, please apply today! You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity!
LHH is a leader in permanent recruitment—and in the placement of top talent. Our areas of specialty include office administration, customer service, human resources, engineering, and supply chain and logistics. Please feel to check us out and apply for other opportunities if this role isn’t a perfect match.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit
Position Title: Director of Manufacturing
Reports to: Head of Operations
Role Description
The Director of Manufacturing will play a pivotal role in overseeing and managing the daily operations of the manufacturing facility. This individual will be responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and ensuring the smooth operation of all activities within the plant, with an emphasis on maintaining high productivity, efficiency, safety, and the highest quality standards. The Director of Manufacturing will collaborate with various departments, which include Product Development, Marketing and Accounting, in support of all commercial and financial objectives. Departments under Director of Manufacturing’s direct leadership include production, quality control, maintenance, and logistics.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
• Lead and mentor a cross-functional team of engineers, technicians, and production staff in eyewear frame manufacturing to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve product quality, process capability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Partner with design and product development team to transition new frame designs into scalable, stable production.
• Manage day-to-day operations of in-house frame manufacturing.
• Manage capital projects and equipment upgrades to enhance production capabilities and support scaling initiatives.
• Champion a culture of craftsmanship, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Product Engineering & Product Development Support
• Develop industry standards and provide DFM (Design for Manufacturability) feedback during early design phases, influencing materials, tolerances, and construction methods for new eyewear frames.
• Translate product design into production-ready engineering documentation, including drawings, BOMs, specifications, and process routings.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers and product designers to develop innovative solutions for frame construction, hinge integration, and surface finishing.
• Assist in the technical training of product development and production staff on new materials and processes.
• Document, standardize, and improve processes across machining, shaping, assembly, and finishing operations.
• Introduce and sustain lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste, improve quality, and shorten lead times.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for process and product issues.
• Maintain equipment capability and recommend capital investments in manufacturing technology. • Implement measurement and inspection methods for critical-to-quality features. Operational Excellence
• Develop metrics for yield, cycle time, and productivity to develop consistent, manual master planning for more predictable production throughput.
• Coordinate with supply chain and vendor partners on components and outsourced processes (e.g., plating, coatings, laser engraving).
- Team Leadership: Successfully manages the manufacturing, quality control, and industrial design teams, comprised of a skilled labor pool of exempt and non-exempt employees. Direct and lead the team with clear priorities and goals in support of broader business initiatives and to ensure quality, efficiency and collaboration at all times. Actively develops supervisors and leads to engage and motivate the workforce. Provides ongoing training/support for continuous skill development.
- Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Continuously evaluate existing processes to enhance output; leverage industry expertise as well as manufacturing background to implement the most efficient manufacturing solutions for eyewear production. Identify and implement new technologies, and systems to enhance resource use and streamline operations. Constantly strive to improve the operation in support of business goals and market needs (quality, cost, efficiency, timeliness etc.)
- Equipment & Machinery Oversight: Strong knowledge of specialized equipment and machinery, with the ability to diagnose, repair, and source parts, especially in collaboration with the Maintenance Manager.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with executive leadership and other departments to achieve organizational goals and ensure operational efficiency. Key stakeholders include Product Development, Finance, Sales, Marketing, Purchasing
- Alignment with Business Plan: Work closely with key stakeholders to ensure manufacturing plans meet the expectations of the business (ie: COGS, timing, quality etc).
- Budget Mgt and Cost Control: Establish appropriate annual plans and budgets in support of production forecasts and actively manage labor and raw material costs to ensure targets are met. Sets the foundation for growth, scalability and profitability in the manufacturing center.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, Engineering, or other industry-related field required; MBA preferred At least ten years of manufacturing experience
- Prior experience leading teams and managing complex initiatives
Position Details
- Full-time onsite position based at our Vernon Hills, IL Headquarters
