Regional Plant Operations Manager - Manufacturing

Location: Chicago, IL

Oversight: Chicago IL, Toronto, ON, Carlstadt, NJ

IPG is seeking a results-driven Regional Operations Manager to lead operations across a portion of our Protective Packaging division. This role will provide strategic and operational leadership across three manufacturing sites and drive performance through strong safety practices, disciplined processes, and continuous improvement.

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for aligning regional operations with business objectives while fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and accountability.

• Lead and execute regional strategy to achieve operational, financial, and safety objectives
• Drive productivity improvements, cost optimization, and waste reduction initiatives across all sites
• Champion world-class safety standards and ensure compliance with regulatory and company requirements
• Partner with Plant Managers and business leaders to resolve operational challenges and optimize performance
• Oversee staffing strategy, organizational effectiveness, and succession planning for the region
• Lead the implementation of standardized systems, including lean manufacturing and performance systems (e.g., IPG Performance System)
• Monitor financial performance, including P&L, and ensure alignment with budget targets
• Analyze and drive improvements using key operational metrics and KPIs
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across all sites
• Ensure consistent execution of company policies, procedures, and operational standards

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field
• experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience driving operational excellence and performance systems (Lean, TPS, or similar)
• Strong background in safety leadership and process discipline
• Experience leading multi-site operations and geographically dispersed teams
• Proven ability to influence leaders, develop teams, and drive accountability
• Strong financial acumen, including P&L management
• Experience in unionized environments is a plus

• You bring operational rigor from organizations known for best-in-class safety and disciplined processes
• You are a strategic thinker who can translate vision into execution across multiple sites
• You thrive in complex environments and excel at aligning teams toward common goals
• You are comfortable challenging the status quo and driving measurable change