Operations Manager – Americas | Schaumburg, IL

Operations Manager – Americas | Schaumburg, IL, USA

Role: Operations Manager – Americas

Location: Schaumburg, IL, USA

Industry: Steel Trading / Metals

Department: Operations

Job Summary: Responsible for the operational performance of the Americas operations team, with Operations Leads in Schaumburg and/or Mumbai reporting into the role. This is a hands-on position requiring the incumbent to personally execute individual steel trade deals end-to-end, alongside leading the team.

• Personally manage the Niche desk and step into team members’ deal-execution responsibilities when required.
• Own individual trade files end-to-end, including contract review, LC/banking coordination, customs and regulatory filings, and logistics.
• Manage, mentor and supervise the US and India-US operations team.
• Design, improve and standardize operational procedures and documentation.
• Build strong relationships with commercial teams, customers and suppliers.
• Train and support operations staff in coordinating with warehouses, stevedores, trucking companies and logistics providers.
• Monitor warehouse reports, ageing inventory and system reconciliation.
• Act as escalation point for complex transactions involving banks, customs brokers and vendors.
• Resolve payment and operational issues relating to steel purchases, freight and service providers.
• Coordinate with Finance & Accounts on vendor invoice authorization and payments.
• Work with IT to improve operational systems and manage claims.
• Work closely with Traders and other regions/departments.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, International Trade, related field or equivalent.
• Strong supervisory/team management experience.
• Recent, hands‑on experience in international trade operations, banking/LC and customs/regulatory requirements.
• Genuine willingness to remain hands‑on rather than purely delegate.
• Strong customer‑service, communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Strong business/trade understanding with good decision-making and problem-solving ability.
• Steel trading, steel mill operations or broader commodities experience preferred.

Reports to: Head of Operations – Functional

Team: Operations – US

Industry Preference: Trading House – Steel/Metals