Production Manager

Benefits: Health insurance Paid time off Production Manager (Contract Screen Printing & DTF) Huetone Imprints Inc Elk Grove Village, IL Full-Time | Start ASAP Hourly Pay Range: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour plus Overtime (1.5x) during peak production periods. (Pay rate depends on depth of technical screen-printing expertise, team leadership experience, and CMYK as well as ink formulation knowledge.) Job Posting Description About Us Huetone Imprints Inc. was established in 2001, we are a premier contract screen printing and DTF (Direct-to-Film) facility located in Elk Grove Village, IL. Equipped with 3 automatic M&R presses (up to 14 colors) and full in-house art and screen preparation departments, we deliver top-tier decoration services under tight deadlines. We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Production Manager to lead our floor operations, elevate efficiency, and drive quality standards. Position Overview We need a proactive, hands-on Production Manager who leads from the front. You will oversee a dedicated team of 20 employees across screen preparation, press operation, quality control, and DTF department. This role requires deep technical screen-printing expertise, strong administrative and communication skills, and the versatility to step in on any station when needed. Key Responsibilities Floor Leadership & Team Management: Direct daily operations for a 20-person production crew. Keep the floor organized, safe, and motivated while resolving minor internal employee conflicts. Production Planning & Scheduling: Manage job tickets, daily scheduling, artwork flows, and workflow velocity to consistently hit tight delivery deadlines. Cost & Budget Control: Track production metrics to keep labor and consumable supplies (inks, chemicals, mesh, packaging) strictly within budget. Technical Quality Control: Manage complex setups including CMYK Process and Simulated Process printing. Ensure precise registration, squeegee pressure, flash temps, and color matching. Ink & Chemistry Mastery: Expert knowledge of all industry ink systems, including Plastisol, Water-based, Discharge, Silicone , and specialty additives. Hands-On Backup: Serve as the ultimate shop backup. Ready to jump on an automatic press, step into screen reclaim/exposure, or assist in receiving if a team member is absent or running late. Training & Efficiency: Onboard and cross-train new and existing press operators and helpers to improve overall shop throughput and eliminate bottlenecks. Vendor & Client Communication: Professional written and verbal communication using MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) to coordinate job specs, purchase orders, and special requests with vendors and account leads. Schedule & Availability: Arrive 30 minutes prior to the shift start to prepare job setups for the day. Ability to work extended hours and evenings during peak production cycles. Qualifications & Requirements Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in high-volume contract screen printing, with at least 2-3 years in a managerial or shop-lead role. Equipment Knowledge: Direct experience operating and troubleshooting M&R Automatic Presses (6, 8, and 14-color). Technical Skills: Mastery of screen mesh selection, tensioning, artwork approvals, film placement, ink mixing/matching, and DTF production workflows. Computer Proficiency: Skilled in MS Excel (scheduling, tracking), email management, and digital job ticket systems. Work Ethic: Strong leadership demeanor, punctual, reliable, and capable of enforcing shop policies and safety standards. Language: English proficiency required (bilingual English/Spanish is a strong plus). Education: High School Diploma or GED required; Associate Degree or technical training in Graphic Arts, Print Management, or Industrial Operations is a plus. What We Offer Competitive Hourly Pay: $30.00 to $35.00 per hour (based on experience), plus overtime pay. Health Benefits: Group Health Insurance coverage. Paid Time Off: Paid PTO & Paid Federal Holidays. Retirement Plan: Participation in the 'Illinois Secure Choice' (My Illinois Savings) state-run retirement savings program. Stability: Immediate, full-time employment with a stable company in business for 25+ years. Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Huetone Imprints Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr HUETONE IMPRINTS INC