Operations Manager; Position

Opportunity Overview

Vaco has partnered with a client searching for an interim Operations Manager for a project through June 2026. Ideally this person will live north of Chicago or northern Indiana.

We are partnering with a growing, mission-driven manufacturing company that is executing a time-sensitive operational transition between facilities. This confidential engagement requires a highly hands-on, detail-oriented project/program manager who thrives on the shop floor and excels at documentation, knowledge transfer, and operational execution.

This role is critical to capturing current-state operations, supporting phased product migration, and ensuring continuity as a new facility is staffed and brought online.

Location:

This role will split time between a facility north of Chicago and another location in northeast Indiana. Candidates must be ok with frequent travel between locations. Travel & Mileage per diem will be paid.

• Provide on-site operational support to document existing processes, facilitate knowledge transfer, and support training and setup at a new facility as product families are transitioned in phases.
  • Document current operations including SOPs, work instructions, photos, and videos across:
    • Light assembly
    • Testing and verification
    • Packaging and shipping
• Support phased migration of product families from one facility to another
• Assist with training and onboarding of newly hired operations staff at the receiving site
• Partner closely with operations leadership to ensure consistency, accuracy, and continuity
• Travel as needed between facilities
• Maintain strong organization, documentation discipline, and follow-through throughout the transition

• 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing or operations-focused project management
• Highly hands-on; comfortable working directly on the shop floor
• Strong documentation, process orientation, and attention to detail
• Experience developing SOPs, training materials, or work instructions
• Prior facility relocation or transition experience is helpful but not required
• Exposure to ISO, quality systems, or lean manufacturing practices is a plus