Production Manager

Job Details

Position Summary

The Production Manager is responsible for leading all production activities at the Chicago Heights facility to ensure the highest standards of Safety, People, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SPQDC) performance. This role is accountable for driving operational excellence, building a high-performance culture, and leading the transformation of the plant to become Vesuvius North America’s flagship manufacturing facility.

This role provides leadership and oversight of shift operations, including supervision of production, maintenance, and quality personnel assigned to production areas. The Production Manager ensures effective production planning, workforce development, equipment reliability, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in alignment with company objectives.

The position plays a critical leadership role in fostering a safe, engaged, high-performing workforce while driving operational excellence and sustainable results.

• Safety, Environmental & Compliance Leadership
• Champion a zero-harm safety culture and enforce all HSE, environmental, and fire protection regulations.
• Implement and execute the Vesuvius Safety Standards.
• Conduct and approve safety audits, risk assessments, and workplace inspections (including forklifts, cranes, racks, OK-to-Start inspections).
• Implement and monitor Site Safety Improvement Plan (SSIP) actions.
• Lead accident/incident investigations (LTI, MTI, dangerous occurrences) and ensure proper reporting.
• Issue and audit permits for high-risk or non-standard work.
• Ensure proper PPE usage, training, and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with environmental management systems (waste, emissions, noise, wastewater).
• Implement and promote the Vesuvius Safety Standards.
• Production & Delivery Management
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate daily and weekly production activities to meet customer demand.
• Optimize labor planning, overtime management, and vacation coverage.
• Monitor and improve OEE (target ~85%).
• Lead shift transition meetings and ensure effective communication across shifts.
• React promptly to breakdowns, downtime, and operational disruptions.
• Maintain accurate production reporting in required management systems.
• Support Gemba walks with Plant Manager.
• Ensure availability of tools, materials, and auxiliary supplies.
• Quality Leadership
• Reduce the cost of non-quality.
• Ensure compliance with standard work instructions (SWIs) and update as necessary.
• Lead or participate in root cause analysis and problem-solving initiatives (8D PPS).
• Manage post-complaint corrective actions and rework activities.
• Supervise measuring tools and ensure proper calibration.
• Communicate quality alerts and train teams on OK/NOK standards.
• Drive continuous improvement of operator standard work.
• Cost & Continuous Improvement
• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives (5S, standardization, SWI audits, Kaizen workshops).
• Ensure implementation of Vesuvius Operating System on the shop floor and performance improvement.
• Monitor KPIs and improve performance metrics for production areas.
• Identify and document the Capex projects, including automation / cost-saving, safety/ergonomics, variability reduction projects.
• Conduct inventory counts and manage resource utilization.
• Maintain and improve 5S standards throughout production areas.
• Drive process optimization and waste reduction initiatives.
• Leadership & People Management
• Lead and develop shift leaders and hourly production teams.
• Set schedules, assign tasks, monitor performance, and ensure accountability.
• Conduct onboarding and on-the-job training for new employees.
• Develop and maintain a skill matrix; plan qualification training (forklifts, cranes, equipment).
• Conduct employee performance reviews and provide regular feedback.
• Manage attendance, absenteeism, and workforce planning (including KRONOS/timekeeping systems).
• Participate in recruitment and selection of team members.
• Promote employee engagement aligned with company values.
• Resolve conflicts and apply disciplinary measures when required.
• Ensure compliance with applicable labor agreements (CBA).
• Equipment & Maintenance Coordination
• Partner with Maintenance to ensure preventive maintenance…