Production Manager

Smurfit Westrock•Woodridge, IL

13d•$114,000 - $190,000

About The Position

The Production Manager provides oversight and leadership in assigned departments, ensuring timely production of quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations. The role proactively manages departmental metrics that affect cost, including downtime, make-readies, run speed, and waste; ensures compliance with company policies, procedures, standard operating procedures, work instructions, and GMPs; and fosters teamwork while supporting the company’s core processes. The Production Manager facilitates production according to site schedules, manages manufacturing capacity, sequencing, staffing, equipment maintenance, and production rates, and works to achieve schedule attainment, established lead times, on-time shipping, and working capital objectives. The role leads safety practices and investigations, supports quality and continuous improvement initiatives, and develops employees and teams through coaching, performance reviews, training, and development plans. It also manages expense budgets, capital requirements, manufacturing forecasts, and variances. The position is based in Woodridge, Illinois. The listed salary range is $114,000–$190,000, depending on role, level, location, skills, experience, and education. The application window is expected to close January 31, 2027.

Requirements

Associate degree in a related field or equivalent related work experience.
3–5 years of manufacturing management experience.
7–10 years of manufacturing experience, preferably including at least 5 years in the printing industry.
Strong math and measurement skills to understand, track, analyze, and report operating metrics.
Excellent time-management skills and a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
Proficiency with MS Office and related software.
Ability to perform in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
A proven record of fostering teamwork and establishing effective safety programs.
Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Follow the required training assigned through the Learning and Development System.
Understand and follow the STOP Work Process.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering.
Manufacturing experience in the printing industry, preferably at least 5 years.

Responsibilities

Facilitate site production based on schedules provided by Scheduling.
Develop and manage manufacturing capacity so products meet requirements.
Ensure appropriate production sequencing and staffing to fulfill the production schedule.
Monitor equipment maintenance status and production rates to support uninterrupted production flow and daily output expectations.
Ensure Preventative Maintenance Programs are established and maintained to maximize asset utilization and long-term return on investment.
Meet schedule attainment and established lead times to support on-time shipping and working capital initiatives.
Establish a safe work environment through proactive housekeeping and safety practices, and participate on the Safety Committee.
Enforce safety guidelines, investigate safety issues, and implement corrective actions.
Support new product development to ensure quality and cost-effective manufacturing requirements are built into designs.
Ensure new product, part change, and equipment change notices follow first production approval procedures.
Use performance excellence systems to plan, implement, and measure continuous quality improvements in products and business processes.
Ensure manufacturing operations follow the standards, procedures, and work instructions in the company quality system.
Carry out managerial responsibilities related to performance management, employee development, interdepartmental cooperation, and work-team facilitation.
Build an effective team in accordance with company values and behaviors.
Use performance reviews, one-on-one coaching, and development plans to improve direct reports’ and operators’ effectiveness.
Create and implement training programs to increase team knowledge and skills.
Identify best practices and establish performance links and measures.
Provide a positive leadership example.
Create and manage expense budgets to achieve positive variances and continuous improvement.
Develop and execute capital requirements for production operations.
Manage forecasting and variance processes for manufacturing operations.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.
Comply with required PPE, employment policies, workplace safety rules, safety reporting practices, assigned training, and the STOP Work Process.

Benefits

Comprehensive training and learning and development opportunities.
Competitive salary.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage options starting on the first day.
Health Savings Account with company contributions and flexible spending account options.
401(k) retirement plan with company match and automatic contributions.
Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage.
Mental health support and wellness programs.
Paid time off, including company holidays, vacation, and paid parental leave.
Tuition reimbursement.
Voluntary benefits, including legal services, identity protection, and pet insurance.
Short-term bonus incentive.
15 days of paid vacation and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change.
Paid sick leave as required by applicable state and local law.