Production Manager - Gear Experience

FactoryFix; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health, dental and vision insurance

Life Insurance

STD

Job summary

FactoryFix seeks a Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations at our facility in Illinois. You will drive efficiency, safety, and quality while overseeing maintenance, lean initiatives, scheduling, and cost control in a fast-paced plant.

The role requires gear industry experience, 5+ years of CNC machinery expertise, and strong leadership. Travel as needed; strong ERP/MS Office skills are essential for reporting and budgeting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in applied science or engineering required.
• Gear industry experience required.
• 5+ years of hands-on CNC machinery experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize manufacturing operations for safety, quality and efficiency.
• Implement TPM and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
• Coordinate scheduling to meet shipment deadlines.
• Manage labor hours and report to finance weekly.
• Oversee budget adherence and forecasting activities.
• Train and manage staff, promote cross-training.
• Ensure equipment reliability and tool quality.
• Maintain OSHA and ISO9001 compliance.

Skills

Leadership

CNC machinery experience

Problem solving

Communication

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science or Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

The Plant Manager leads and optimizes manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, quality, and compliance. Oversees maintenance, lean manufacturing, production scheduling, employee management, and cost control. Reports performance results and ensures alignment with company targets.

Responsibilities:

• Implement and maintain manufacturing processes and TPM (Total Productive Maintenance).
• Lead lean manufacturing initiatives (6S, setup reduction, cycle time reduction, waste elimination).
• Monitor KPIs and address performance issues promptly.
• Manage labor hours and report to finance weekly.
• Drive continuous improvement and project management efforts.
• Ensure budget adherence and forecast activities.
• Oversee manufacturing operations and report results.
• Coordinate scheduling to meet shipment deadlines.
• Ensure product quality, safety, and compliance with standards (OSHA, AS/ISO9001, etc.).
• Train, motivate, and manage employees; enforce cross-training and incentive programs.
• Ensure equipment, tools, and materials are high quality.
• Drive productivity, sales, and cost control.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science or Engineering.
• Gear Industry experience required.
• Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on CNC machinery experience required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Work Environment:

Production and office environment; includes floor leadership, computer use, and occasional travel. Exposure to CNC machines, plant noise, dust, dirt, grease, and oils.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• STD

You should be proficient in:

• Leadership / People Management
• CNC Tooling
• CNC Programming
• CNC Machine Repair
• Quality Control Experience
• Tolerance Analysis
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• High-level Operations Analysis
• Troubleshooting CNC Machines

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC) (Mazak, Haas, Okuma, Doosan, Hurco)
• CNC Grinder
• CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC)
• Gear Machinery (Gleason, Hofler)
• OD/ID Grinding Machine