People-First Production Leader - Lean, Safety & Growth

Rehrig Pacific Company, Inc.; Joliet (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental Vision and Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

401k & ESOP

Profit Sharing

Tuition Reimbursement and more!

Job summary

Rehrig Pacific Company, Inc. in Joliet, IL, is hiring a Production Manager to lead a diverse manufacturing team, emphasizing empathy, safety, and engagement while meeting production and quality targets.

The role focuses on continuous improvement through Gemba walks, Kaizen, and ERP reporting, with 5S and LOTO/BBSO compliance as core priorities.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years supervisory experience or an equivalent combination, strong communication, and ability to train across functions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years supervisory experience or education equivalence.
• Experience with JDE system preferred.
• Ability to train a diverse workforce.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Cross-functional collaboration with multiple teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop production teams to meet safety and quality targets.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with LOTO, BBSO, and 5S standards.
• Manage headcount and production reporting in ERP.
• Deliver daily and weekly audits to uphold quality.

Skills

People leadership

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Training and development

Education

Experience or education equivalence

Tools

JDE system

Job description

Here at Rehrig Pacific, we are all about our people. Since 1913, our organization has focused on sustainable supply chain solutions while creating a culture and atmosphere where amazing people, like you, are celebrated for doing their best work. Rehrig Pacific has grown to meet the needs of our industry consumers across the country and internationally. We are constantly creating innovative solutions to transcend the new standards set forth by our customers. We find true fulfillment in helping others, both within the Rehrig Pacific family and in our communities. As servant leaders, we lead by example.

Great benefits including: Medical, Dental Vision and Life Insurance; Paid Time Off; Paid Holidays; 401k & ESOP; Profit Sharing; Tuition Reimbursement and more!

Purpose of Role

The Production Manager will manage people with empathy, prioritizing team well-being, inclusion, and engagement while ensuring compliance with safety standards (Lock Out Tag Out, Behavior Base Safety Observations,5S). Drive continuous improvement through Gemba walks, Key Performance Metrics monitoring, and Kaizen activities, while maintaining operational excellence by hitting production and quality targets, managing headcount, and reporting accurately in production and Enterprise Resource Planning systems.

Areas of Accountabilities

Workforce Planning and Development

• Grow your team’s capabilities through proper training and development activities (Ramp up and gage testing, Individual Development Plans)
• Administer accountability, feedback, and coaching as necessary
• Participate in the plant’s People Engagement plan. Conduct quarterly meetings with employees, participate in skip level meetings, and participate in touchpoint conversations.

Environmental Health and Safety Leadership

• Perform compliance reviews per the EHS&S cadence standard. Lock out tag out (LOTO) periodic inspections (monthly) and Behavior Based Safety Observations (BBSOs)(Weekly).
• Participate in Monthly Site safety inspections.
• Ensure work areas are 5S compliant to standard utilizing 5S inspection form (Monthly)

Enhance Efficiency and Effectiveness

• Perform daily Gemba walks to drive engagement and identify challenges the team may be facing.
• Monitor Key Performance Metrics to drive decision-making.
• Utilize Production scorecard review to identify areas for improvement.

Drive and Sustain High-Performance Operations

• Ensure quality meets standard by conducting weekly audits
• Ensure you deploy budgeted headcount and hit labor targets
• Accurate production reporting in the system

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• 5+ years supervisory experience or education equivalence
• Experience with JDE system a plus
• The ability to interact with and train a diverse group of personnel
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Ability to work cross functionally

Rehrig Pacific is a leading manufacturer of integrated sustainable solutions for the supply chain and environmental waste industries with a diverse customer list of industry leaders. We provide end-to-end solutions including returnable plastic products, delivery lifts and sleds, technology to track those assets, and a service team to ensure their longevity. Our team is dedicated to the values, mission, and unique culture within our organization that celebrates our people. We believe in fostering an environment where employees can be their authentic selves and know that they are viewed as integral members of the Rehrig Pacific Family.

Ready to take the next step in your career?
Apply now and become the driving force behind our plant’s success!

Rehrig Pacific Company is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. See also here.

Rehrig Pacific Company is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. See also here .