Join a legacy manufacturer with 100 years of operational excellence. We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced General Manager to lead our flagship manufacturing facility in Savanna, IL. This is a high-impact, onsite leadership role with full responsibility for business performance, operations strategy, and P&L ownership. If you thrive in fast-paced, hands-on environments and are passionate about driving results through people, process, and purpose—this is your next big opportunity.

Job Details

• Position Type: Full Time

• Pay Range: $170,000 - $230,000/Year

• Work Location: Savanna, IL (Onsite)

• Travel: Up to 25%

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all functional areas: operations, financials, HR, supply chain, purchasing, sales strategy, engineering, and more.

• Optimize plant performance across KPIs—on-time delivery, labor efficiency, quality, cost, and inventory.

• Champion a safety-first culture through proactive risk management, audits, and training.

• Own the full plant budget and forecast process, identifying cost-saving opportunities while meeting production goals.

• Drive strategic planning and execution of Long Range Plans (LRP); develop and align leadership teams to deliver long-term success.

• Design and implement scalable growth strategies, including sales expansion and product innovation.

• Prioritize organizational development—coaching, mentoring, and upskilling teams for peak performance.

• Lead by example—monitor production output and quality, troubleshoot barriers, and celebrate wins.

• Collaborate with suppliers and distributors to ensure supply chain efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Serve as a visible, approachable, and decisive leader across all levels of the business.

• Perform other executive responsibilities as needed to support business goals.

Skills/Competencies

• Executive-level communication—clear, confident, and action-oriented.

• Proven leadership with a track record of building, motivating, and retaining high-performing teams.

• Sharp business acumen with strong financial and operational decision-making skills.

• Strategic thinking with a bias toward execution and measurable outcomes.

• Innovative mindset—comfortable challenging the status quo and implementing process improvements.

• Highly organized and deadline-driven with a passion for operational excellence.

Qualifications (Required)

• Bachelor’s Degree (Engineering, Business, or related field preferred).

• Minimum of 9 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Demonstrated experience owning and delivering results across P&L, operations, and strategy.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Advanced degree (MBA, MS Engineering, or similar).

• Experience in metal forming, machining, or complex manufacturing operations.

• Background in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies.

• Previous success leading multi-functional teams in union and non-union environments.

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The General Manager has overall responsibility for the business and P&L. Responsible for optimizing production, quality assurance, safety, and resource management, while driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role involves strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and maintaining high standards in cost management, regulatory compliance, and operational performance. The General Manager ensures the plant meets both short-term business targets and long-term business strategies, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

Job Details

• Position Type: Full Time

• Pay Range: $170,000 - $230,000/Year

• Work Location: Savanna, IL (Onsite)

• Travel: Up to 25%

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize policies, procedures, and processes to reduce costs, improve production efficiency, and enhance product quality.

• Monitor Operations Performance. On-time delivery, variable costs, inventory, crewing, labor efficiency, quality, etc. 

• Manage all areas of business, including operations, financials, human resources, supply chain/purchasing, sales strategy, and engineering.

• Lead safety programs, conduct risk assessments, and promote a culture of safety to minimize accidents and maintain a secure working environment.

• Prepare and manage plant budgets, ensuring financial resources are allocated efficiently. Track costs and expenses to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the plant operates within budget while meeting production goals.

• Prepare Long Range Plans (LRP) for business strategy.  Develop a management team that is fully engaged in Long Range Strategies and business performance. 

• Oversee sales growth strategies.

• Heavy focus on organizational development to continuously improve the strength and teamwork of the organization.

• Draft and present reports on plant performance, including production output, maintenance, quality control, and financial metrics.

• Monitor production performance to ensure organizational goals are met in terms of quality, output, and timelines, addressing any issues or obstacles that affect the efficiency and effectiveness of production processes.

• Lead and develop plant staff through coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluations.

• Foster a high-performance culture by setting clear expectations, supporting team development, and promoting collaboration across departments.

• Collaborate with suppliers and distribution partners to maintain smooth operations and meet customer demands.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills/Competencies

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong leadership abilities to motivate, guide, and develop teams while fostering a collaborative environment.

• Sound judgment in decision-making, with the ability to evaluate situations and take appropriate action.

• Advanced problem-solving skills, with a focus on identifying solutions and driving results under pressure.

• Strategic thinking to align plant operations with broader business goals and long-term objectives.

• Creative mindset to innovate and implement new processes, improving efficiency and productivity.

• Excellent organizational skills to prioritize tasks, manage resources effectively, and ensure operational efficiency.

Qualifications (Required)

• Education: Bachelor's

• Experience: Minimum of 9 years of experience.