Production Manager

Sterling Engineering; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Life Insurance

Additional company-sponsored benefits

Job summary

Sterling Engineering is seeking a Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations with a focus on safety, quality, and on-time delivery. The ideal candidate will develop teams, improve processes, reduce waste, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within a production environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, coaching of supervisors and staff, and collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to resolve operational challenges.

Qualifications

• Experience leading production teams and driving performance improvement.
• Strong skills in production planning, scheduling, and workforce management.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations Management preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations to meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery goals.
• Develop and execute production schedules to meet customer requirements.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements.
• Coach and mentor supervisors and production staff.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to resolve issues.
• Support equipment evaluations and manufacturing optimization projects.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing operations

Cross-functional collaboration

Process improvement

People development

ERP/MRP experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations Management or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Compensation: $95,000 - $110,000 annually

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, and additional company-sponsored benefits

Position Overview

We are partnering with a well-established manufacturer to identify a Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations and drive continued operational excellence. This leadership position is responsible for achieving production goals while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, productivity, employee development, and on-time delivery.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with experience developing teams, improving processes, reducing waste, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within a production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations to achieve safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Develop and execute production schedules to meet customer requirements and business goals.
• Monitor manufacturing performance through KPIs and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Identify production bottlenecks and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and throughput.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, productivity improvement, and operational excellence.
• Develop, coach, and mentor supervisors, team leads, and production employees.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to resolve operational challenges and improve manufacturing performance.
• Support equipment evaluations, process improvements, and manufacturing optimization projects.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and workplace safety requirements.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, Assistant Production Manager, or similar manufacturing leadership role.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning, scheduling, and workforce management.
• Experience leading production teams and driving employee development and performance improvement.
• Proven success implementing process improvements and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations.
• Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field is preferred but not required.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to join a stable and growing manufacturing organization where you can make a direct impact on production performance, employee development, and continuous improvement efforts. The role offers strong visibility within the organization, long-term growth potential, and the opportunity to help shape the future of manufacturing operations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.