Head of Operations, CNC Shop

Location: Management - Batavia, IL

The Head of Operations will be responsible for all facets of the operation for Omnia Design and Manufacturing, a dynamic CNC machining startup focused on delivering high-quality, precision parts across a wide range of industries. The role will be responsible for growing the business by managing customer relationships, designing projects and production plans, working with suppliers to source materials and components, and developing a production team. This leadership role requires a balance of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and business acumen.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the key decision-maker for business strategy, scaling the operations, and managing day-to-day operations. Develop and implement operational strategies to meet goals and objectives, with a focus on scaling the business while maintaining quality and efficiency.
• Manage, train, and mentor all team members, ensuring a high level of technical proficiency within the team. Maintain a strong safety culture while promoting a focus on continuous improvement and open, transparent communication. Deliver reviews and performance improvement action plans.
• Oversee budgeting and financial forecasting, including cost control and pricing strategies to maintain profitability.
• Set and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for production efficiency, quality, and financial performance.
• Oversee and manage all CNC machining operations, ensuring high standards of precision, quality, and efficiency across all projects.
• Create and manage production schedules to ensure customer orders are met in a timely and efficient manner. Determine correct tooling, inserts, feeds, and speeds based on a variety of materials and tooling. Determine and utilize correct work holding techniques and creative approaches to part manufacturing.
• Determine department needs for supplies, tooling, and other materials and create orders, directly partnering with suppliers and vendors.
• Perform research and development of materials and selections for Machining department.
• Provide hands-on leadership as needed, including programming, set-up, operation, and troubleshooting of CNC equipment and part assembly as needed.
• Ensure that design specifications are met and that projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Continuously improve production processes, identifying and implementing operational efficiencies, and streamlining workflows.
• Assist Maintenance department with installations, machine maintenance schedules, and other projects and activities as needed.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing customers, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and repeat business.
• Actively pursue new business opportunities, identify potential clients, and develop sales strategies to increase revenue while balancing customer needs with company capabilities.
• Provide technical expertise to customers during the sales process, helping to translate their objectives into actionable production plans.
• Oversee the preparation of quotes and bids, ensuring competitive pricing and accurate cost estimations for materials and labor.
• Ensure that all company food safety and quality assurance procedures are followed at all times. Escalate any issues/concerns to management.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a CNC shop leadership role.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience programming CAD/CAM software.
• Strong leadership skills, including proven ability to coach and motivate team members and address performance concerns.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong business management skills, including budgeting, financial management, and sales/marketing strategy. Knowledge of pricing, cost control, and negotiation tactics.
• Experience in maintaining client relationships, developing new business, and negotiating contracts.
• Demonstrated proficiency in using Fusion 360 CAD CAM software for programming 3 axis CNC mills and 2 axis CNC lathes.
• Ability to read prints and assembly diagrams.
• Ability to read and understand fits and tolerances, including ability to use precision measurement tools for reading <.001” tolerances.
• Familiarity with a wide range of materials, including metals (aluminum, steel, etc.), plastics, and composites, and an understanding of how to machine them effectively.
• Excellent work ethic and willingness to learn.
• Excellent organization and time management skills, including ability to prioritize and troubleshoot in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Intermediate PC skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and email software with proven ability to learn new software programs.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to maintain a clean and efficient workspace.
• Professional proficiency in verbal and written English, including ability to effectively and professionally communicate with diverse internal and external customers.
• Must be able to sit and stand for prolonged periods of time and lift 50 pounds or more.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, and climb a ladder and stairs.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in scaling small businesses and navigating growth challenges.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Experience with MIG or TIG welding strongly preferred.
• Experience with HAAS VF Series mills and TL Series lathes.
• Experience with SOLIDWORKS CAD design software.
• Experience with HAAS Next Generation Controls.
• Experience with Renishaw probing solutions for CNC machine tools.
• Experience repairing and maintaining CNC equipment.

 Additional Information: This position will require occasional travel, primarily to customer and supplier sites.

 Pay: $80,000 – $140,000 per year

 Flex Your Potential with Eagle! We are committed to supporting our employees’ career growth and aspirations and provide full-time team members with the following benefits:

• Medical Insurance – On the first of month following 60 days of employment, employees can choose from 1 PPO plan, 2 PPO/HSA plans, and 1 HMO plan, all provided by United Healthcare.
• HRA / HSA Contributions – Participants in the employer-provided medical insurance program will receive funds from Eagle for either their HRA (for all PPO and HMO enrollees) or HSA (for all PPO/HSA enrollees). The annual amount provided to each participant is based on one’s enrollment tier per the following schedule: $1,500.00 for Employee Only coverage, $3,000.00 for Employee + Spouse or Employee + Child(ren), and $4,500.00 for Family coverage.
• Dental Insurance – On the first of month following 60 days of employment, employees can enroll in dental insurance provided by Mutual of Omaha.
• Vision Insurance – On the first of month following 60 days of employment, employees this voluntary benefit through Mutual of Omaha.
• 401K Plan – Plan entry date is the first of the month following 6 months of service. Eagle provides its employees with a 100% match up to 1% and 50% match up to 6%.
• Company Paid Short Term Disability – The Short Term Disability premium is 100% paid by Eagle.
• Company Paid Long Term Disability – The Long Term Disability premium is 100% paid by Eagle.
• Life Insurance – The Basic Life premium is 100% paid by Eagle and is a flat $20,000 benefit for all FT, benefit eligible employees. Employees have the option to purchase additional voluntary life insurance for self, spouse, and dependent children.
• Vacation/PTO: The amount of vacation/paid time off (PTO) employees receive each year starts at 80 hours (2 weeks) each year, which accrues at a rate of 1.538 hours per week, and increases with the length of employment.
• 6 Company Paid Holidays – Eligible after 60 days of employment.
• Sick Leave – Eligible for paid sick days at the rate of 3 days (24 hours) per year after 6 months of service (prorated for per the calendar year).