Production Manager – Lean, High-Mix Manufacturing

Axis Talent Group; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Axis Talent Group is assisting an established manufacturer in Illinois to recruit an experienced Production Manager. You will lead a 60‑person team across preprocessing, fabrication, welding, and assembly, driving safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.

The role requires hands‑on leadership, strong problem‑solving and communication skills, and a track record of improving throughput and flow in a high‑mix environment. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Several years of production or manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience in a high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience with welding, metal fabrication, and assembly operations.
• 3+ years of Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
• Experience leading and developing production supervisors and hourly employees.
• Strong understanding of 5S, OEE, FMEA, KPIs, and root‑cause analysis.
• Track record of improving productivity, quality, throughput, or production flow.
• Strong problem‑solving and communication skills.
• Hands‑on leadership style with a willingness to spend significant time on the production floor.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead approximately 60 production employees across preprocessing, fabrication, welding, and assembly.
• Manage and develop supervisors, team leaders, and production employees.
• Monitor safety, quality, productivity, labor efficiency, and production output.
• Identify bottlenecks and production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Lead Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Improve production flow, standard work, and workplace organization.
• Use 5S, OEE, FMEA, KPIs, and root‑cause analysis to improve manufacturing performance.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to resolve production issues.
• Support new product introductions and manufacturing improvement projects.
• Maintain a strong presence on the production floor and work directly with supervisors and employees.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

5S

OEE

FMEA

KPIs

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Axis Talent Group is assisting an established manufacturer in Illinois to recruit an experienced Production Manager. You will lead a 60‑person team across preprocessing, fabrication, welding, and assembly, driving safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.

The role requires hands‑on leadership, strong problem‑solving and communication skills, and a track record of improving throughput and flow in a high‑mix environment. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.