Client Overview: Our client is a global industrial manufacturer with operations in North America. The company is committed to technical excellence, operational reliability, and continuous improvement. To support a highly automated U.S. production facility, they are seeking a senior level Plant Production Manager to strengthen support within the plant.
Job title: Plant Production Manager (Senior Manager)
Mission: The Plant Production Manager, will play a pivotal leadership role—owning the performance, people, and continuous improvement of a key product unit. This is an opportunity to shape operations, develop high-performing teams, and drive world-class manufacturing standards in a globally recognized organization.
Key Responsibilities:
Own end-to-end production performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost
Ensure products are manufactured to the highest quality standards and delivered on time
Drive efficiency by optimizing labor, materials, energy, and equipment utilization
Monitor and improve line performance, waste reduction, and overall productivity
Lead, coach, and develop Shift Supervisors and production teams to achieve operational excellence
Build a high-performance culture through engagement, accountability, and continuous feedback
Identify training and development opportunities to strengthen team capability
Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives across production lines
Identify opportunities to increase capacity, reduce waste, and improve processes
Partner cross-functionally (Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain) to solve problems and drive innovation
Support new projects and ensure successful execution of operational improvements
Manage and deliver against production, maintenance, and cost budgets
Contribute to investment planning and capital improvement initiatives
Partner in energy and sustainability programs to reduce environmental impact
Ensure responsible use of resources and alignment with business targets
Champion a strong safety culture and ensure full compliance with health & safety standards
Enforce GMP and food safety requirements across all production activities
Proactively identify risks and implement corrective actions
Qualifications and Skills:
Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field
4–7 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
Proven ability to lead teams, drive engagement, and develop talent
Strong business acumen across operations, cost management, and resource planning
Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex, and multicultural environment
Location: Franklin Park, IL
Compensation target: $148,000–$198,000 base salary, plus bonus. Compensation is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role
Other information: Candidate must show proof of US citizenship/visa/alien registration. No sponsorship will be offered for this role.