1st Shift Production Manager

Aapstaff; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Aapstaff is seeking a Production Manager to lead and optimize production operations in a fast-paced environment. The role focuses on safety, quality, productivity, and cost control while guiding teams toward continuous performance improvement.

The position requires a degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field and at least three years in production management. English and Spanish language skills are valued to support cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Education: Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: At least three years of production-management experience.
• Technical knowledge: Printing, lamination, slitting processes, production planning, and process control.
• Quality and safety: Familiarity with ISO, HACCP, BRC, and other quality standards.
• Continuous improvement: Experience with process improvement and problem-solving tools.
• Languages: English and Spanish are valued.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and optimize production activities, staffing, equipment, and materials to meet targets.
• Oversee daily operations and monitor performance to meet targets.
• Lead and supervise production teams, ensuring safety and collaboration.
• Coordinate with Planning, Logistics, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering for continuity.
• Promote continuous improvement and problem-solving to address issues.
• Monitor KPIs and drive improvements in safety, quality, and productivity.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Continuous improvement

English & Spanish

Education

Industrial Engineering / related field

Job description

Production Manager Mission: Lead and manage production operations to meet safety, quality, productivity, and cost objectives. Ensure resources are used effectively, production runs reliably, and teams continuously improve performance while supporting the company’s business goals.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning and Management

• Plan, coordinate, and optimize production activities, staffing, equipment, and materials to meet production targets.
• Ensure compliance with production plans and standards for safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Oversee daily operations and monitor production performance to ensure targets are achieved.
• Coordinate with Planning, Logistics, Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering to maintain continuity.
• Analyze production deviations, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.

Leadership and Team Supervision

• Lead, develop, and supervise production teams, fostering a safe, collaborative, and results-oriented work environment.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels, efficient resource allocation, skills development, and team versatility.
• Set objectives, monitor performance, and support employees’ professional development.
• Lead production meetings, including TOP 15, using performance indicators to guide decisions and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with Human Resources on workforce planning, training, and employee matters.
• Lead and participate in talent management, performance appraisals, succession planning, and training initiatives.
• Promote company culture, values, and principles through example and consistent leadership.

Process Optimization and Cost Control

• Identify, prioritize, and implement initiatives to improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimize operating costs.
• Promote continuous improvement and use problem-solving methods to address recurring issues.
• Monitor and improve the use of labor, resources, materials, and equipment to minimize losses.
• Use performance data and waste indicators to define action plans and improve operational efficiency.
• Support implementation of new technologies, processes, and working methodologies that improve performance and reliability.

Problem Solving and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead investigations and resolution of recurring or high-impact operational issues affecting production performance.
• Coordinate root‑cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and other teams.
• Promote structured problem‑solving and follow through on action plans to prevent recurrence.
• Encourage collaboration between departments to improve production stability and operational results.

Quality and Food Safety Standards

• Ensure production employees follow quality standards and food‑safety requirements.
• Work with Quality to investigate and resolve deviations that may affect product quality, food safety, or customer satisfaction.
• Ensure corrective and preventive actions are completed after complaints, audits, non‑conformities, and quality incidents.
• Ensure products meet defined specifications and minimize quality risks.

Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)

• Enforce workplace safety rules and promote a strong safety culture across production teams.
• Implement actions to reduce environmental impact during production.
• Support investigations into safety incidents and ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Promote preventive safety activities and coordinate with the HSE and Quality teams as appropriate.

Data, Reporting, and Management

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including safety, quality, productivity, OEE, waste, and costs.
• Identify gaps against targets and coordinate actions to restore expected performance.
• Ensure responsibilities, follow‑up, and action plans are clearly defined.
• Use data to support reliable, consistent, and accurate operational decisions.
• Communicate results, trends, risks, and action plans to production teams and site management through established systems.
• Use operational meetings and visual management tools to monitor performance and keep teams aligned with company objectives.

Maintenance Activities

• Work closely with Maintenance to ensure production equipment is available and reliable.
• Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance to minimize disruption to production.
• Communicate production priorities and equipment needs to support maintenance planning.
• Ensure teams report equipment breakdowns and recurring incidents promptly.
• Support collaboration between Production and Maintenance to achieve safety, quality, productivity, and equipment availability goals.

Gemba and Shop‑Floor Leadership

• Maintain an active presence on the shop floor to oversee operations, support teams, and ensure compliance with production standards.
• Provide ongoing coaching and development to supervisors and operators.
• Verify that operating standards are followed and reinforce operational discipline.
• Detect deviations from standards and ensure corrective actions are assigned and completed.
• Lead improvement workshops and problem‑solving activities to reduce losses and improve performance.
• Use Gemba observations to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Contribution to the Group

• Share best practices, knowledge, and experience with other Production Managers across the Group.
• Contribute to standardization and improvement of operational performance.
• Participate in cross‑functional projects and knowledge‑sharing activities to strengthen collaboration between sites.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience: At least three years of production‑management experience, preferably in food packaging or a similar industrial environment. Experience in shift leadership and managing a production team is required.
• Technical knowledge: Printing, lamination, slitting processes, production planning, and process control.
• Quality and safety: Familiarity with ISO, HACCP, BRC, and other applicable quality and food‑safety standards.
• Continuous improvement: Experience with process improvement, problem‑solving, and operational performance tools.
• Customer focus: Internal customer and service orientation.
• Leadership: Ability to lead teams in demanding operational environments and support change.
• Languages: English and Spanish are highly valued.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and team management.
• Strategic planning and decision‑making.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem‑solving and process improvement.
• Adaptability to changing business needs and production priorities.

Note: The responsibilities listed describe the main duties of the position but are not exhaustive. Additional related duties may be assigned based on business needs.