Production Manager

Job Description

Production Manager

Location: Greater Chicago Area (Northwest Suburbs)

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Shift: 1st Shift

Compensation: $95,000 - $110,000 annually

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, and additional company-sponsored benefits.

About the Opportunity

We're partnering with a well-established manufacturer of industrial heating and temperature sensing products to identify an experienced Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations. This leadership role is responsible for driving safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery while developing a high-performing production team.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader who enjoys improving processes, eliminating waste, mentoring employees, and building an efficient operation focused on continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations to achieve safety, quality, cost, and delivery goals.
• Plan, coordinate, and monitor production schedules to maximize efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Identify manufacturing bottlenecks and implement process improvements to increase throughput.
• Reduce material scrap, labor waste, work-in-process inventory, and manufacturing lead times.
• Develop, coach, and mentor supervisors, group leaders, and production employees.
• Manage employee performance, training, reviews, coaching, and corrective actions.
• Partner with Engineering to improve product designs and manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate and implement new manufacturing equipment and process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and quality standards.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across the production floor.
• Monitor key production metrics and implement corrective actions when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related discipline preferred.
• Previous Production Manager or Manufacturing Manager experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success leading production teams and developing supervisors.
• Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, manufacturing operations, and process improvement.
• Proven ability to reduce waste, improve productivity, and drive operational performance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience collaborating with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams.
• Bilingual Spanish is a plus.

Preferred Experience

Experience in one or more of the following is highly desirable:

• Industrial manufacturing
• Custom manufacturing
• Electrical or mechanical assembly
• Lean Manufacturing
• Continuous Improvement
• KPI development and performance management
• OSHA compliance
• ISO or quality-driven manufacturing environment

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to join a stable manufacturing organization where you'll have the ability to make a direct impact on operations, lead meaningful continuous improvement initiatives, and help shape the future of the production team. If you're passionate about building strong teams and improving manufacturing performance, we'd love to speak with you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Meet Your Recruiter

Galen Schloming
Senior Technical Recruiter

Galen is a Senior Technical Recruiter at Sterling Engineering with nearly 14 years of recruiting and talent acquisition experience, spanning agency leadership, high-volume technical recruiting, and executive-level client partnership. Since joining Sterling in February 2026, he has brought a strategic, relationship-driven approach to supporting candidates and clients across manufacturing, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and more.

Galen is dedicated to solving complex hiring challenges and building trusted, long-term partnerships with candidates, hiring managers, and executives. He takes the time to understand each person's experience, goals, and career ambitions so he can help connect them with opportunities that align with both their skills and long-term direction.

For Galen, recruiting is about being an advocate and facilitator during important moments of transition and opportunity. He genuinely enjoys learning what motivates people and helping them take meaningful next steps in their careers while supporting companies in building strong, high-performing teams.

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About Wood Dale, IL

Ready to kickstart your career in the vibrant city of Wood Dale, Illinois? Explore our job opportunities in this thriving area nestled in the heart of DuPage County. Known for its close-knit community, top-notch schools, and convenient location near O'Hare International Airport, Wood Dale offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. With easy access to the renowned Wood Dale Prairie Nature Preserve and nearby attractions such as the vibrant Schaumburg Boomers Stadium, job seekers can enjoy a plethora of recreational activities. Embrace the diverse culinary scene ranging from classic deep-dish pizza to upscale dining options while catching a show at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre or visiting the local Ned Brown Preserve. Join us in discovering the endless possibilities for your career growth here in Wood Dale!