Chief Operating Officer

Company: WITTENSTEIN Inc.

Location:

US - Bartlett, ILCountry: US Category:
Production Contract duration:
Limited

Employment Type:

Full time

Responsibilities

Position Summary The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the overall operational management of WITTENSTEIN Region Americas: procurement, production, logistics, quality, operational excellence and facility management. This position ensures that economic and strategic goals are achieved. In this dual role, the COO combines corporate responsibility with plant management (P&L responsibility). The role drives performance, builds a culture of accountability and customer focus and ensures compliance with all safety-, environmental-, and regulatory- requirements.

Reports ToCEO North America / Head of Region Americas with dotted line to Managing Director Walpha in German headquarters (Matrix organization)
Position Responsibilities Leadership & Culture Leadership of overall operational Management of Region Americas: procurement, production, logistics, quality, operational excellence, facility management (50+ employees) shaping the strategic direction and long-term success of Region Americas Create a high-performance environment with clear expectations, data-driven decision-making, and a strong results orientation (KPIs)
Ensure customer focus is embedded in all business processes and decisions, driving customer satisfaction, loyalty, and long-term partnerships

Operations Management Define and execute production strategies, processes, and systems to drive long-term technological advancement, operational efficiency, and scalability (e.g., ERP implementation, factory expansion, new value streams)
Ensure operational excellence across safety, quality, cost (manufacturing cost, productivity), and delivery performance (lead time, reliability)
Review and approve plans for production output, budgets, labor/material efficiency, asset utilization, maintenance, and order processing effectiveness

Monitor and continuously improve KPIs (OTIF, scrap, productivity, safety, inventory, manufacturing cost)
Align site operations with corporate standards within a global matrix structure

Plan and approve capital investments, workforce capacity, technologies, and facility requirements in coordination with corporate functions

Ensure compliance with all policies, regulatory requirements, and safety standards

Supply Chain Management Develop and execute end-to-end supply chain strategies aligned with business goals, focusing on responsiveness, flexibility, and cost efficiency in a high-mix/low-volume environment

Monitor and improve supply chain KPIs (inventory turns, forecast accuracy, OTIF, lead times, backlog)
Drive logistics optimization, including warehousing, transportation, and distribution performance

Ensure alignment and integration with global supply chain standards and systems from headquarters

Procurement

Steer supplier selection, development, and performance management, including strategic partnerships and risk mitigation

Steer cost reduction initiatives (e.g., negotiations, global sourcing) while maintaining required quality and delivery standards

Monitor procurement KPIs (cost savings, supplier performance, on-time delivery, quality) and report results to executive leadership (US and Germany)
Quality Management Establish robust quality management system (QMS) aligned with corporate and regulatory requirements

Ensure product and process quality

Monitor and improve quality KPIs (scrap, rework, customer complaints, internal/external PPM)
Foster a culture of quality excellence and accountability throughout the organization

Coordinate with customers and headquarters on quality issues, certifications, and compliance standards

Safety (EHS)
Ensure full compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations and corporate policies

Develop and promote a proactive safety culture focused on prevention, awareness, and accountability at all organizational levels

Establish and monitor safety KPIs (incident rates, near-misses, corrective actions)
Integrate safety considerations into all operational and continuous improvement activities

Facility Management Oversee building projects, maintenance, infrastructure, and utilities

Drive factory layout optimization and expansion for manufacturing and logistics capabilities

Manage facility services including maintenance, repair, security, and energy efficiency programs

Qualifications

Minimum 10+ years of successful leadership experience in Operations Management and/or Engineering Management within a high-precision manufacturing environment

Experience working in quality-driven manufacturing environments is highly preferred

Experience working in a dual role (e.g. COO & Plant Manager is highly preferred

Proven ability to achieve exceptional performance in On-Time Delivery, Quality, Labor Efficiency, Profitability, Expense Control, Shop Floor Organization (5S), and Process Improvement (e.g., value stream analysis and design)
Strong knowledge of all aspects of Operations…