Manufacturing Manager

Position: Manufacturing Manager
Location: Libertyville, IL
Job Brief - We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead daily operations, improve operational efficiency, and build an engaged, high-performing manufacturing team. This role is responsible for optimizing production processes, labor and equipment utilization, safety, quality, and schedule attainment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The Manufacturing Manager partners cross-functionally with Planning, Procurement, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, HR, and Operations to align priorities, remove barriers, and foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to achieve production targets, quality standards, safety expectations, employee productivity, and customer requirements.
• Develop and execute production plans that balance customer demand, labor availability, material readiness, operational capacity, throughput, cost, and service performance.
• Drive operational efficiency by improving line performance, labor utilization, changeover effectiveness, material flow, waste reduction, and manufacturing cost performance.
• Establish, monitor, and report KPIs related to productivity, cost, labor utilization, waste reduction, safety, quality, capacity, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, automation, standard work, and operational excellence methods to strengthen manufacturing performance.
• Partner cross-functionally with Planning, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, HR, and Operations to align schedules, staffing, inventory, maintenance needs, quality priorities, and customer expectations.
• Build and lead an engaged team culture by hiring, training, coaching, and developing manufacturing employees and supervisors while reinforcing accountability, inclusion, respectful communication, and continuous improvement.
• Address employee relations and performance matters in partnership with HR while promoting accountability, collaboration, and strong communication routines.
• Support operational growth initiatives, including new product introductions, process changes, capacity expansions, automation, and production readiness efforts.
• Ensure safety, quality, and compliance by reinforcing safe behaviors, regulatory expectations, proactive risk identification, product specifications, and employee ownership of safety and quality.

• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in CPG, food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or similarly regulated environments
• Proven ability to lead manufacturing operations, supervisors, production teams, and cross-functional partners in a fast-paced environment
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, safety regulations, quality standards, labor planning, cost management, and industry best practices
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational efficiency, continuous improvement, employee engagement, accountability, and change management
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, organizational, and people leadership skills
• Proficiency with Excel, PowerBI, ERP/MRP/MES/WMS (preferred SAP), and manufacturing performance reporting systems
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred
• Ability to work on site 5 days/week, with availability starting no later than 6:00 a.m. and departing no sooner than 3:00 p.m.