Production Manager

Simulacra; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Simulacra, a leading Food & Beverage manufacturer, seeks a skilled Production Manager to lead plant operations in Chicago. You will drive safety, quality, productivity, and cost targets while building a high-performing team.

In this role you will implement Lean Six Sigma methods, mentor line leaders, and partner with cross-functional peers to deliver sustainable manufacturing excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on TPM/Lean/Six Sigma knowledge for manufacturing excellence.
• Strong leadership and team-building experience in FMCG.
• Excellent communication skills and detail orientation.
• Experience with union environments and change management.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant operations to meet SQCDSM targets.
• Drive manufacturing strategy and build a high-performing team.
• Implement IL6S and FoF initiatives including AM/PM programs.
• Coach and develop the manufacturing team and ensure compliance.

Skills

TPM

Lean

Six Sigma

Leadership

Communication

Food & Beverage knowledge

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Join one of the top Food & Beverage manufacturers! This industry leader is seeking a skilled and experienced Production Manager to lead plant operations and drive best-in-class manufacturing performance.

Position Overview

Job Title: Production Manager

Location: Chicago, IL

Shift: 1st

Status: Full-time

Key Responsibilities

• Lead production operations within the plant, delivering key performance targets across safety, quality, productivity, volume, cost, sustainability, and organizational morale (SQCDSM)
• Drive implementation of the site's manufacturing strategy, building a high-performing, self-sufficient organization
• Manage change and transformation across operating teams, advancing Integrated Lean Six Sigma (IL6S) and Factory of the Future (FoF) initiatives, including Autonomous Maintenance and Progressive Maintenance frameworks within an integrated line-centric model
• Role model company values through effective coaching, mentoring, and development of the team
• Support annual operational plans and targets across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Sustainability, and Engagement goals; cascade plans and KPIs to Line Leaders and employees to ensure alignment
• Establish strong governance to review and control operational performance, embedding a zero-loss mindset and driving continuous improvement
• Lead the operating team in identifying and managing improvements to technology, culture, capability, and operating systems
• Ensure all manufacturing standards and compliance requirements (Quality, Food Safety & GMP, Health, Safety, Security, Environment, Sustainability, Code of Conduct, and internal audit norms) are understood, implemented, and regularly reviewed
• Own talent, capability, and engagement strategy for the manufacturing team, attracting, retaining, and developing critical talent at all levels
• Partner effectively with cross-functional peers, both within and outside the plant, to achieve shared goals and KPIs

Key Qualifications

• Strong operational and manufacturing leadership experience in the Food & Beverage industry, with hands‑on knowledge of TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), 5S, Lean, and Six Sigma tools and concepts
• Engineering background with strong financial and business acumen, project management skills, and knowledge of industrial maintenance and manufacturing equipment
• Experience with Autonomous Maintenance (AM) Step 4 systems and Progressive Maintenance (PM) Step 3 systems
• Demonstrated ability to maintain equipment at basic conditions independently, including execution of AM and PM standards (breakdown and planned maintenance) on dedicated equipment
• Working knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance and Six Sigma, including qualification of AM Steps 5-6 and PM Step 3
• Proven experience leading line teams and navigating challenging interpersonal situations with tact
• Experience influencing people within a union environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, coaching ability, and strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated analytical, problem‑solving, and team‑building abilities
• Competitive base compensation
• Annual bonus
• Medical and health benefits
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment
• Professional development and growth opportunities within a forward‑thinking organization