Manufacturing Operations Manager

About the role

You will serve as a key operational leader within Formic's Bolingbrook, Illinois facility, helping align priorities across engineering, inventory, logistics, and project execution activities.
You will lead daily standups and execution reviews to ensure priorities are clear, resources are aligned, and blockers are addressed quickly.
You will act as an escalation point for operational issues impacting execution, quality, or readiness.
You will drive accountability for operational performance, quality, safety, and organizational effectiveness.
You will partner cross-functionally to align operational readiness with customer commitments and project timelines.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience leading operations, automation, manufacturing, engineering, or other technical teams in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated success leading teams directly while influencing and driving results across cross-functional organizations
• Experience working with industrial automation systems, robotics, or related manufacturing technologies
• Experience with industrial robots or cobots such as FANUC, KUKA, Yaskawa, ABB, or Universal Robots preferred
• Experience with end-of-line automation systems including palletizing, depalletizing, case packing, or related applications preferred
• Proven ability to establish processes, develop SOPs, implement training programs, and drive operational improvements
• Experience managing quality, safety, operational readiness, and on-time execution in a manufacturing, automation, or technical operations environment
• Strong understanding of operational planning, resource allocation, capacity management, and performance metrics
• A hands-on leadership style with a willingness to roll up your sleeves, solve problems, and support the team wherever needed
• Strong judgment, ownership, attention to detail, and the ability to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution
• Excitement for building teams, improving systems, and helping scale a rapidly growing automation company

Bonus points

• Experience working for a robotics company, automation systems integrator (SI), original equipment manufacturer (OEM), or industrial technology organization
• Experience scaling operations within a high-growth startup or rapidly growing organization
• Experience supporting customer-facing deployments, installations, or field operations
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methodologies

Total Rewards

• Equity in Formic: Participate in our stock option program and share in the success of a fast-growing start-up backed by leading global investors
• Competitive & Uncapped Commission Structure: Designed to reward performance and impact in commission-eligible roles
• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield and Unum, with 99% of employee premiums covered and 75% coverage for dependents, with optional buy-up plans available
• Additional Insurance Benefits: FSA and DCFSA, life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability through Unum, all 100% employer-paid
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Fully funded by Formic, offering support when you need it most
• Paid Parental Leave Program: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Company-sponsored 401(k): Invest in your future with our company-facilitated retirement savings plan
• Home Office Stipend: A one-time allowance for fully remote and hybrid employees to support an at-home or on-the-road work setup
• Monthly Cell Phone Reimbursement: Monthly stipend toward personal phone and internet expenses
• Flexible Time Off: Take the time you need, when you need it, supported by our flexible PTO policy

Compensation Range

$140,000 - $170,000 USD