Production Manager - Chemical Manufacturing

Production Manager - Chemical Manufacturing

Location: On-site in Chicago, IL

A fast-growing specialty chemical manufacturer in the Chicago metro area is searching for a hands-on Production Manager to lead its batch manufacturing operations. Under revitalized leadership and with a renewed focus on operational excellence, this facility is scaling rapidly and investing in modernized practices, team growth, and continuous improvement. This is a pivotal opportunity for a leader who thrives in small-team environments and is eager to make a direct impact on production performance, safety culture, and people development.

About the Role:

The Production Manager will oversee day-to-day operations within a chemical manufacturing facility, managing a tight-knit group of long-tenured operators. This role blends leadership with direct involvement on the floor and is ideal for someone who enjoys coaching teams, driving process improvements, and working with hazardous materials in a regulated setting.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of chemical operators, setting clear expectations and promoting accountability.
• Build rapport with a close-knit operator team and maintain a strong, respectful work culture.
• Oversee attendance, performance management, and the hiring/onboarding of new team members.
• Conduct regular team huddles focused on safety, production metrics, and problem-solving.

Production Oversight

• Manage daily chemical mixing and batch production activities to meet safety, quality, and delivery targets.
• Work alongside the team to troubleshoot equipment, support peak demand, and ensure operational continuity.
• Track key performance indicators such as yield, downtime, throughput, and quality.
• Maintain accurate batch records and ensure adherence to manufacturing protocols.

Safety & Compliance

• Reinforce a safety-first culture, ensuring all hazardous materials are handled per compliance standards.
• Monitor SOP adherence, enforce PPE usage, and maintain training records.
• Take immediate corrective action for unsafe behaviors and escalate issues when appropriate.

Operational Improvement

• Identify areas for process improvement in layout, efficiency, equipment, or documentation.
• Lead initiatives to increase reliability, reduce waste, and optimize throughput.
• Use KPIs and operator feedback to drive continuous improvement and foster a high-performance environment.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of leadership experience in chemical manufacturing or a related batch processing environment (coatings, plating, food, etc.).
• Proven ability to work safely with hazardous materials in regulated environments.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English is required.
• Demonstrated success building and managing frontline teams, including performance and attendance management.
• Hands-on leadership style with a willingness to mix batches or support operations directly.
• Strong communication skills and a track record of driving improvements in culture and productivity.

What Success Looks Like:

• Quickly builds trust with the team and leadership.
• Takes ownership of key projects and delivers results without constant oversight.
• Manages day-to-day plant operations smoothly while implementing long-term improvements.
• Drives safety, team cohesion, and reliable production outcomes.

About Blue Signal:

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46

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