About this opportunity
Arethia lists this Head of Operations USA opportunity in itasca, Illinois. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Role description
We are seeking a proactive, technically skilled Head of Operations to lead our first USA plant through two phases:
Renovation & commissioning: act as the primary on-site liaison between HQ, engineering, the central Project Manager, contractors, vendors, and local stakeholders; keep milestones safe, compliant, and on schedule.
Operations & ramp-up: t ake over day-to-day plant leadership after commissioning, building routines, leading the team, managing performance, and driving safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Your Mission
Your responsibilities will evolve over time and are grouped into two main phases: factory renovation and commissioning first, followed by plant operations, ramp-up, and continuous improvement.1. Construction / Renovation Phase
Project Coordination Oversee day-to-day activities on-site and monitor contractor performance in collaboration with the local PM contractor
Track progress against the project schedule and escal...
Technical Support Review construction drawings and equipment layouts for accuracy, coordinating with the global engineering team
Assist in commissioning and operational readiness activities in cooperation with OEMs and the global engineering team
Communication & Reporting Provide structured weekly updates to HQ and the central Project Manager
Act as the first point of contact for local stakeholders and vendors
2. Post-Construction Operations & Ramp-Up Operational Handover & Ramp-Up Take ownership of plant operations after commissioning, ensuring a structured ramp-up into stable day-to-day operations.
Define and implement operating routines, responsibilities, reporting lines, and escalation paths for the new site in line with global principles and local requirements.
Team Leadership & Site Management Build, lead, and develop the local operational team, including onboarding, training, performance management, leadership development, and cross-functional collaboration.
Manage priorities across production, procurement, quality, safety, and continuous improvement while ensuring clear communication with stakeholders.
Operational Excellence, Safety & Compliance Establish and continuously improve processes, KPIs, documentation, and standard operating procedures for reliable plant performance.
Drive efficiency, safety, quality, and cost discipline across the site while maintaining compliance with applicable local regulations, US workplace safety requirements, and company standards.
Identify operational risks, resolve day-to-day issues, and initiate improvement projects as the plant moves from start-up mode into regular operations.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field, with 8+ years’ relevant experience in plant operations, commissioning, construction coordination, or industrial project management.
Manufacturing, laboratory, food, flavour, chemistry, or related industry background, with a solid understanding of production/lab operations, operational readiness, safety, quality, and efficiency principles.
Proven ability to lead teams, contractors, and cross-functional stakeholders, communicate clearly across shop-floor and senior audiences, and work effectively between US site teams and international HQ.
Hands‑on knowledge of permitting, inspections, compliance, US workplace safety requirements, and the ability to manage priorities, escal...
Experience implementing scalable processes, KPIs, documentation, continuous improvement, and data‑driven decision‑making.
Proficiency with digital collaboration/project management tools such as Jira, Confluence, MS Project, or similar, plus excellent English skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience with renovation, greenfield, or brownfield industrial projects from construction through commissioning, handover, and ramp-up.
Strong leadership and influencing skills, including working with senior leaders, contractors, vendors, and cross‑functional teams without direct authority.
Strategic, analytical mindset with experience using operational data to improve productivity, safety, quality, processes, and performance.
Experience with leadership development, organisational growth, change management, and international collaboration between local teams and HQ.
Familiarity with US regulatory, permitting, environmental, health and safety, labour compliance, and project/collaboration tools such as Jira, Confluence, or MS Project.
Conversational Spanish language skills.
Why you’ll love working here
Competitive salary: $110,000 – $140,000 based on experience and qualifications
Performance‑based bonus opportunities
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) fully matched + vested day one
20 PTO and holidays
Fast‑track career growth, Employee #1 in North America
Our Process
Initial Screening Call with a Recruiter
Interview #1 with the Hiring Manager
Interview #2 with the Global Head of Production & Engineering
Challenge (Take‑home task)
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Worksite address
itasca, IL, 60143, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.