Branch Operations Manager – Industrial Equipment & Service

Branch Operations Manager – Industrial Equipment & Service

Location: Naperville, IL, US

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Salary: Starting at $120,000 base salary + performance-based bonus

About the Position

We are seeking a highly organized, hands-on Branch Operations Manager to lead our U.S. operation in the Chicago area. This role offers the opportunity to take on broader business responsibility while working closely with company leadership in Germany.

Responsibilities

• Lead US operations: Oversee daily business activities, establish clear responsibilities, improve workflows, and ensure accountability across the local organization.
• Manage and develop the team: Lead existing employees, coordinate priorities, and support the hiring and onboarding of additional technical and administrative personnel.
• Oversee field service: Coordinate technician scheduling, maintenance, equipment installations, commissioning, and customer service activities.
• Strengthen operational processes: Improve spare parts and inventory management, purchasing, administrative coordination, and operational reporting.
• Build customer relationships: Develop a strong understanding of existing customers, installed equipment, and service needs while maintaining responsive customer support.
• Coordinate internationally: Work closely with management, engineering, service, and project teams in Germany to ensure effective communication and project execution.
• Support future growth: Help expand technical service and aftermarket activities while gradually developing local project management and business development capabilities.

Requirements

• Strong organizational and operational leadership skills, with demonstrated experience establishing processes, defining responsibilities, improving workflows, and driving accountability.
• Experience managing technical service operations, including coordinating field technicians, scheduling resources, and overseeing maintenance, installation, or commissioning activities.
• Proven people management experience, with the ability to lead and develop a small team, set priorities, make independent decisions, and support future hiring.
• Several years of experience in industrial machinery, equipment manufacturing, automation, engineering, or a related technical environment.
• A practical, hands-on leadership style and the ability to manage multiple operational priorities in a smaller organization without relying on extensive support structures.
• Strong customer relationship management skills, commercial awareness, and an understanding of service and aftermarket business opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with both US employees and international management teams.
• Willingness to travel within the US and occasionally to Germany.

Nice to Have

• Experience with European or German-owned companies, conveyor systems, material handling equipment, project management, technical sales, or business development.
• German language skills are a plus, but not required.

We Offer

• Health & Dental Insurance: Employer contribution toward coverage costs.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Company matching contributions of up to 3%.
• Paid Time Off: 20 vacation days annually.
• Paid Holidays: 9 company-observed holidays per year.
• Meaningful Responsibility: Lead an established US operation with the autonomy to improve processes, develop the team, and influence how the business runs.
• Room to Make an Impact: Build on an existing customer base and technical service team while helping shape the next phase of the business.
• International Collaboration: Work directly with leadership and technical teams at the German headquarters.

About the Company

The company is an established German manufacturer of specialized industrial machinery, conveyor systems, and automated material handling solutions. Its U.S. operation supports customers across North America through technical field service, spare parts, equipment installation, and commissioning. The local team works closely with engineering, service, and management teams at the company's German headquarters.