Production Manager - Manufacturing

The Production Manager will lead a team within a fast-growing automotive manufacturing facility, overseeing day-to-day operations, quality, and performance for a team of approximately 35 employees. This hands-on leadership role offers the opportunity to drive efficiency and continuous improvement while positioning for future advancement into higher operational leadership roles.

Client Details

My client is a leading, fast-growing automotive manufacturer seeking a hands-on Production Manager. This role offers the opportunity to step into a key leadership position within a global organization experiencing rapid growth and transformation.

Description

• Oversee daily operations of the department (approximately 35 production team members) within a 300-employee manufacturing facility.
• Manage multiple production lines and shifts to ensure safety, quality, and delivery performance.
• Drive production efficiency and throughput to meet increased customer demand and new contract ramp-ups (including an upcoming program with a major EV manufacturer).
• Collaborate with the Plant Manager, Deputy Plant Manager, and cross-functional teams to implement continuous improvement initiatives and maintain KPI targets.
• Lead and mentor production supervisors and operators, fostering accountability, safety, and teamwork.
• Support production scheduling, labor allocation, and overtime management to sustain output during high-demand periods.
• Monitor quality metrics, address process deviations, and partner with maintenance and quality teams to reduce downtime and defects.
• Contribute to future strategic growth initiatives, including new line start-ups and operational expansion.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

Profile

A successful Production Manager should have:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or a related field (or currently enrolled in a degree program).
• 3+ years of production management experience within a manufacturing environment; automotive or high-mix, low-volume experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, continuous improvement, and KPI management.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams (quality, maintenance, logistics).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure production environment.
• Flexibility to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet production goals.

Job Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from $125,000 to $150,000 annually.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A supportive and professional company culture.
• Located in Chicago, offering a vibrant and diverse work environment.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career as a Production Manager, we encourage you to apply today!

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.