Die-Cut Production Leader

ITW; Bartlett (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ITW, Bartlett, IL, is seeking a Production Manager to lead all die-cutting manufacturing operations, directing schedules, staffing, equipment use, and process improvements. You will drive safety, quality, productivity, and cost objectives while ensuring compliance with customer specs and company standards.

You will provide technical expertise in die-cutting processes, tooling, materials, machine setup, and troubleshooting, and lead continuous improvement across the facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field.
• 5+ years manufacturing leadership experience.
• 3 years managing die-cutting, converting or similar production operations.
• Experience with high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience leading direct and indirect production teams.
• Strong knowledge of die-cutting processes, tooling, converting operations, and material handling.
• Experience with die cutters, dies and automated converting equipment.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and process documentation.
• Strong leadership, analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production reporting software.
• Understanding of OEE, capacity planning and production metrics.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate daily die-cut production activities to meet customer delivery requirements and production schedules.
• Manage team leads and machine operators.
• Develop staffing plans and production schedules to maximise machine utilisation and labour efficiency.
• Monitor KPIs including productivity, scrap, downtime, on-time delivery, labour efficiency, and OEE.
• Ensure all production operations comply with policies, safety regulations, and quality standards.
• Establish accountability and performance expectations for production personnel.
• Conduct regular production meetings to communicate goals and performance.
• Provide technical oversight of precision die-cutting processes.
• Optimize machine settings, tooling configurations, and process parameters.
• Troubleshoot production issues involving die-cut equipment and defects.
• Oversee die setup, changeovers, and process validation activities.
• Evaluate die performance and work with tooling suppliers to improve die life and cutting accuracy.
• Monitor material utilization and minimize waste through process optimization.
• Ensure operators follow standardised work instructions and setup procedures.
• Partner with Quality to identify and resolve product quality concerns.
• Lead root cause analyses and corrective actions using Lean methods.
• Implement continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Analyse production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Support customer audits and quality system requirements.
• Drive scrap reduction and improve first-pass yield.
• Work with Maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and uptime.
• Develop preventive maintenance schedules and coordinate repairs.
• Support capital equipment projects and process upgrades.
• Identify opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.
• Ensure proper maintenance of dies, tooling, and support equipment.
• Recruit, train, develop, and retain production personnel.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide coaching.
• Build cross-functional training programs and promote accountability.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

ITW, Bartlett, IL, is seeking a Production Manager to lead all die-cutting manufacturing operations, directing schedules, staffing, equipment use, and process improvements. You will drive safety, quality, productivity, and cost objectives while ensuring compliance with customer specs and company standards.

You will provide technical expertise in die-cutting processes, tooling, materials, machine setup, and troubleshooting, and lead continuous improvement across the facility.