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Production Manager

Mauser Packaging Solutions, Elk Grove Village, IL, United States


The Production Manager is responsible for leading all production activities within a high-volume, 24/7 injection molding operation. This role provides strategic and hands-on leadership to ensure production goals, cost targets, quality standards, and safety expectations are consistently achieved. The Production Manager plays a critical role in financial performance, labor forecasting, payroll management, and the development of Production Supervisors and hourly teams.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operational Leadership
Oversee daily production operations across multiple shifts in a continuous 24/7 environment.

Ensure production schedules meet customer demand, service level commitments, and inventory requirements.

Partner with Maintenance, Quality, Planning, and Materials to maximize equipment uptime and throughput.

Monitor and improve key performance indicators including OEE, scrap, downtime, labor efficiency, and output.

Financial & Labor Management
Own production labor performance, including headcount, payroll, overtime, and productivity.

Develop and manage labor forecasts aligned with production demand.

Support annual budget planning and ongoing forecast updates.

Identify and implement cost-control and efficiency initiatives while maintaining safety and quality standards.

People Leadership & Development
Directly manage Production Supervisors and ensure consistent leadership across all shifts.

Coach and develop supervisors to drive accountability, performance, and engagement.

Partner with Human Resources on hiring, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations.

Promote a positive, disciplined, and results-driven culture on the production floor.

Scheduling & Capacity Planning
Ensure adequate staffing to support 24/7 operations, including weekends and holidays.

Adjust labor plans proactively to address demand changes, absenteeism, and operational constraints.

Ensure proper shift coverage and effective overtime management.

Safety, Quality & Compliance
Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with EHS policies and procedures.

Ensure adherence to quality standards, work instructions, and regulatory requirements.

Support investigations and corrective actions related to safety, quality, and operational issues.

Qualifications

Required
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in injection molding or plastics.

Proven experience managing production supervisors and large hourly workforces.

Strong financial acumen with experience in labor forecasting, payroll, and cost control.

Experience operating in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Preferred Injection molding process knowledge and plastics manufacturing experience.

Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience. - ERP/MRP system experience.

Core Competencies

Financial and analytical mindset

Hands-on manufacturing leadership

Data-driven decision-making

Clear and effective communication

Ability to manage complexity and multiple priorities

Ability to work flexible hours as required by a 24/7 operation.

Regular presence on the production floor.

Availability to support operations outside of standard business hours as needed.

The salary range is $115,000 – $140,000 per year. Exact salary offered will depend on candidate’s experience, work location, skills, etc.

Mauser Packaging Solutions offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, paid time off, and other competitive benefits.

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