Manufacturing Manager

Hirebridge; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing firm in Chicago seeks a Manufacturing Manager responsible for overseeing day-to-day production operations. The role encompasses leading a team, ensuring quality and safety in operations, and achieving production targets. Candidates should have at least 5 years of manufacturing management experience and a degree in a related field. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills are essential, along with a hands-on understanding of manufacturing processes. The position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or production management.
• Experience overseeing operations involving heat bending, die cutting, or similar processes.
• Proven experience managing production teams in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations and ensure production targets are met.
• Monitor and adjust production priorities based on demand and staffing.
• Develop and implement strategies to exceed operational targets.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Mechanical aptitude

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or Operations Management

Equivalent hands-on manufacturing leadership experience

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Manufacturing Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of day-to-day production operations within the manufacturing facility. This role ensures efficient workflow, high product quality, and safe operating conditions while meeting production schedules and performance targets. The Manufacturing Manager will lead a team of operators and technicians involved in heat bending, die cutting, die making, and mounting processes.

In addition to leadership responsibilities, the Manufacturing Manager must maintain a strong hands‑on understanding of manufacturing operations and be prepared to assist with production processes when necessary. The role requires a proactive leader who can manage staff, equipment, production schedules, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure operational excellence and continuous improvement.

DIRECT REPORTS

• Manufacturing Lead
• Die Shop Manager

SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and delivery schedules are consistently met.
• Plan, organize, and manage production schedules to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Coordinate workflow between heat bending, die cutting, die making, and mounting processes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor and adjust production priorities based on demand, staffing, and operational requirements.
• Identify and resolve production issues quickly to maintain operational continuity
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, issues, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement strategies to meet or exceed operational targets.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, workflow, and productivity.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and operational best practices.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and management teams to optimize production processes.

KEY INTERFACES (NON-REPORTING)

• Ensure manufacturing equipment is properly maintained and operating efficiently.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance and repairs with maintenance personnel or external vendors.
• Monitor equipment utilization and identify opportunities for upgrades or improvements.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient production environment.
• Supervise and support manufacturing processes including:
  • Heat bending
  • Die cutting
  • Die making
• Mounting and finishing operations
• Provide technical guidance and assist with production tasks when necessary.
• Ensure proper setup, operation, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment.
• Implement process improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and throughput.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as:
  • Production output
  • Efficiency and cycle times
  • Scrap and waste rates
  • Quality metrics
  • On-time delivery performance

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent hands‑on manufacturing leadership experience will also be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or production management.
• Experience overseeing operations involving heat bending, die cutting, die making, or similar fabrication processes preferred.
• Proven experience managing production teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage schedules, staff, and equipment effectively.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of manufacturing equipment.
• Experience tracking and managing KPIs and operational metrics.
• Knowledge of safety standards and manufacturing best practices.
• Strong communication and training skills.
• Lead, supervise, and motivate manufacturing staff to achieve operational goals.
• Manage staffing levels, assignments, and shift coverage to support production demands.
• Train, mentor, and certify operators on manufacturing processes, equipment operation, and safety procedures.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Working conditions are in a normal office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, and stand, using hands to handle, finger, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Occasionally, the employee must crouch or kneel. The employee must occasionally exert or lift up to 20 pounds. Successful performance requires good eyesight with or without corrective lenses. Requires long periods of time working at a computer and includes phone work.

DISCLAIMER

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.