Junior Production Area Manager

PPG Industries; Quattordio; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

PPG Industries is seeking a motivated Junior Production Area Manager to support daily operations in our chemical manufacturing environment in Piemonte, Italy. You will work closely with experienced managers to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production while developing leadership skills.

The role emphasizes coordinating production activities, learning OEM standards, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives to boost productivity and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in roles like Team Leader or Shift Leader.
• Bachelor’s Degree or Technical Diploma in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Industrial Technology, or related fields.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; good communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations and production schedules across departments.
• Monitor safety, quality, delivery, and productivity targets.
• Learn and apply OEM standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001) and improve workflows.
• Assist supervisors and operators to maintain efficient processes and resolve issues.
• Help track KPIs (efficiency, scrap, cycle times) and support improvement actions.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Proactive attitude

Safety awareness

English language

Analytical thinking

Education

Engineering/Science degree or technical diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

ERP/Production management systems

Job description

JOB FUNCTION

We are seeking a motivated and ambitious Junior Production Area Manager to join our production team and support the daily management of specific manufacturing departments. This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced chemical manufacturing environment.

Working closely with experienced managers, the Junior Production Area Manager will contribute to ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production processes. The role involves supporting team coordination, monitoring production activities, helping to optimize workflows, and participating in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.

The ideal candidate is eager to learn, demonstrates strong problem-solving and communication skills, and has an interest in manufacturing operations. A proactive attitude, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and teamwork are essential for success in this role.

The objective of this position is to build the competencies required to progressively take on greater responsibilities while contributing to the delivery of high-quality products in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Support the management of department, assisting in the coordination of daily operations and production schedules.
• Monitor production activities and contribute to the achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and productivity targets.
• Learn and apply OEM standards, technical specifications, and relevant industry requirements (IATF 16949, ISO 9001).
• Support supervisors and operators in maintaining efficient workflows and resolving day-to-day operational issues.
• Assist in monitoring key production KPIs (efficiency, scrap rates, cycle times) and participate in the implementation of improvement actions.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, contributing to Lean Manufacturing and problem-solving activities.
• Promote and support compliance with workplace safety and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with Logistics, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to ensure smooth production flows.
• Support maintenance planning activities by coordinating with maintenance teams on preventive and corrective interventions.
• Contribute to employee training and onboarding activities, helping to ensure adherence to operating procedures.
• Prepare reports and communicate production updates to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Develop leadership and people management skills through coaching, mentoring, and hands-on experience in the production environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or Technical Diploma in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Industrial Technology, or related fields.
• 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in a Team Leader, Shift Leader, Production Engineer, Production Supervisor, or similar role.
• Experience within chemical manufacturing or other process industries is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes, plant operations, maintenance practices, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Initial experience in coordinating production teams and supporting daily shop floor activities.
• Familiarity with safety standards and regulatory requirements in an industrial environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to adapt in a dynamic production setting.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with ERP or production management systems is considered a plus.
• Good command of English, both written and spoken.

The base salary range for this position is 50.000,00 eur to 55.000,00 eur per year.

We confirm that this job offer is based on objective and gender-neutral criteria and complies with the relevant provisions of the applicable National Collective Labour Agreement (CCNL), in accordance with and in full respect of Legislative Decree No. 96 of 7 May 2026 implementing Directive (EU) 2023/970.

About us:

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways thandoes any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG onX.

The PPG Way 2030

We are customer champions

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, movefastanddon’tstop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow.

We act with purpose and speed

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.

We are excellent operators

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, weidentifyproblems, takeownershipand always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support ourfrontline,the faces of PPG to our customers.

We compete to win

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace newtechnologiesand leverage agility and speed as strengths.

We are PPG proud

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act withintegrityand value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world.

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email [e-mail].

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process.

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.