Production Manager

Clearbridge Executive Search; Stillwater (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Clearbridge Executive Search seeks an accomplished Production Leader for a chemical packaging facility in Stillwater, MN. You will direct a ~30-person production team, drive Lean and continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure safe, compliant operations meeting quality and delivery targets.

Responsibilities include cross-functional collaboration, prioritizing work, managing budgets, and developing a skilled, cross-trained workforce to excel in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or related field; equivalent education and leadership experience may be considered.
• 10+ years of manufacturing or packaging leadership experience.
• Experience in chemical packaging, blending, filling, or related process industries preferred.
• Experience managing multiple production work centers and hourly employees.
• Strong Lean, 5S, continuous improvement, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Proven leadership, team development, and workforce management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, production scheduling, and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage production across multiple work centers, ensuring safety, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Direct a team of ~30 employees and develop high-performing, cross-trained staff.
• Drive continuous improvement via Lean, 5S, visual management, and structured problem solving.
• Oversee daily production scheduling, labor allocation, and workflow to meet customer commitments.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Purchasing, Maintenance, and R&D to reduce defects and waste.
• Manage budgets and cost targets; drive automation opportunities and minimize downtime.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

5S

Safety Management

ERP

Production Scheduling

Cross-functional Leadership

Root Cause Analysis

Team Development

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Experience in manufacturing leadership

Tools

MS Office

ERP Systems

MS Excel

MS Project

Job description

**Responsibilities:**Lead and manage all production activities across multiple work centers within a chemical packaging facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations while meeting quality and delivery objectives.Direct, develop, and manage a production workforce of approximately 30 employees by setting clear performance expectations, promoting accountability, and fostering a collaborative team environment.Serve as a key member of the plant leadership team, driving continuous improvement initiatives through Lean Manufacturing, 5S, visual management, and structured problem-solving.Promote a safety-first culture by ensuring compliance with OSHA, environmental regulations, and company safety policies across all production operations.Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, incident investigations, employee training, and corrective actions to improve workplace safety and prevent hazards.Ensure all packaged products meet quality specifications, regulatory requirements, and internal standards by maintaining compliance with established procedures and work instructions.Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Purchasing, Maintenance, and R&D teams to investigate non-conformances, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to reduce defects, scrap, and rework.Oversee daily production scheduling, labor allocation, and workflow execution to meet customer delivery commitments while maximizing productivity and throughput.Coordinate with Planning, Purchasing, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Quality teams to resolve production bottlenecks, communicate priorities, and develop contingency plans.Manage labor, materials, staffing, and operating expenses to achieve budget targets and maintain cost-effective production operations.Drive process optimization, waste reduction, equipment reliability, automation opportunities, and cost-saving initiatives to improve productivity and minimize downtime.Lead, coach, and develop Area Supervisors, Team Leads, and Operators, ensuring employees receive the necessary training and resources to perform effectively.Promote accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning through performance management, employee development, skills tracking, and cross-training initiatives.******Qualifications:**Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred. Equivalent education and manufacturing leadership experience may be considered.10+ years of manufacturing or packaging leadership experience.Previous experience in chemical packaging, blending, filling, or related process industries preferred.Demonstrated experience managing multiple production work centers and hourly employees.Knowledge of chemical handling, packaging operations, safety management systems, and regulatory compliance.Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, continuous improvement, and problem-solving methodologies.Proven leadership, team development, employee coaching, and workforce management skills.Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and corrective action experience.Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and decision-making skills.Proficiency in ERP systems, production scheduling, and Microsoft Office applications.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and develop a skilled, cross-trained workforce.****You should be proficient in:Bachelor's DegreeChemical PackagingLean ManufacturingManufacturing or Packaging LeadershipERP