Operations Manager (Contract Position)

Vaco
$35.00 - $65.00 / hr
United States, Illinois, Waukegan
Jan 06, 2026
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. Opportunity Overview: 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. Responsibilities: 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 Ideal Background 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 Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.