Production Manager

Critical Fit Recruiting; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Critical Fit Recruiting seeks a Production Manager to oversee the adhesive production site, directing reactor operations, chemical mixing, and process/filling to meet delivery, cost, and customer satisfaction goals. You will coordinate production, equipment manufacturing, and maintenance to stay within budgets while ensuring safe, high-quality output.

Ideal candidates will have 10+ years in chemical manufacturing operations, a BS/BA in engineering, and strong ERP experience (JDE-E1) with MS

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership in chemical manufacturing operations.
• 5+ years managing multi-function teams.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and MS Office; Lean/Six Sigma exposure.

Responsibilities

• Deliver production targets across adhesive manufacturing from reactor to fill/pack.
• Direct managers and supervisors in production, equipment, and maintenance.
• Ensure safety, health, and environmental compliance (PSM, OSHA, ISO).
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and TPM to reduce waste and improve yield.
• Manage budgets and advocate for capital projects within approved limits.
• Maintain equipment reliability with preventive and predictive maintenance.
• Improve product quality through rigorous QC and root-cause investigations.
• Standardize KPIs and reporting to align all site departments.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Process improvement

Safety compliance

Quality focus

Cross-functional leadership

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering

BS in Industrial Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

JDE-E1 ERP

Microsoft Office

Process control systems

Job description

We’re seeking a result-focused, innovative, and self-driven Production Manager to oversee manufacturing operations for the adhesive production site by leading plant activities and ensuring that safe, efficient, and high-quality output consistently meets delivery, cost, and customer satisfaction goals. Candidate will maintain operational excellence by coordinating production, equipment manufacturing, and maintenance functions in alignment with company strategies and approved budget.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deliver production performance targets for the site by managing adhesive manufacturing from reactor operations through chemical mixing and process/filling, aligning schedules, labor, materials, and process controls to ensure production output meets cost and delivery objectives while maintaining safe and stable operations.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams across site functions by directing managers and supervisors in production, equipment manufacturing, and maintenance, establishing clear performance expectations, mentoring for skill growth, and fostering accountability, collaboration, and engagement across all levels of the workforce.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, health, and environmental regulations by upholding PSM, OSHA, ISO 9001, and environmental requirements, conducting regular site-specific risk assessments, and embedding safe work practices into daily operations to protect employees, equipment, and the surrounding community.
• Drive continuous improvement and process optimization at the site level by applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and TPM methodologies to analyze production data, identify inefficiencies, reduce waste and variation, and implement targeted solutions that sustain measurable gains in productivity and yield.
• Manage operational budgets and recommend capital investments by monitoring and controlling labor, materials, utilities, and maintenance costs, identifying cost-reduction opportunities, and preparing business cases for capital projects that improve reliability, efficiency, or capacity within approved limits.
• Maintain equipment reliability and availability by developing and overseeing preventive and predictive maintenance programs, scheduling planned downtime, tracking asset performance metrics, and ensuring timely resolution of maintenance issues to avoid production interruptions.
• Improve and maintain product quality performance by enforcing rigorous quality control procedures, supporting root cause investigations for non-conformances, and collaborating with the site quality team to implement corrective actions that reduce defects, rework, and customer complaints.
• Promote alignment and consistency across all departments within the site by standardizing work practices, KPIs, and reporting formats, facilitating effective information flow between departments, and ensuring all teams operate to shared goals and coordinated plans

BACKGROUND PROFILE:

• BS/BA degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field or equivalency required; advanced degree preferred
• Proficiency in using ERP systems – JDE-E1 most desirable – and Microsoft Office Suite
• Skilled in operational budget management and capital project recommendations
• 10+ years of progressive leadership in chemical manufacturing operations, including 5+ years managing multi-function teams.
• Proven expertise in chemical processes, unit operations, and process control systems
• Demonstrated success in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and TPM application.
• Customer-service driven, improvement-minded, detail-oriented, and proactive