We are working with an industry leading manufacturer in the Jacksonville, IL area seeking a transformative Production Manager to spearhead a comprehensive turnaround of their facility. You will be the primary architect of a cultural shift, moving the facility from a reactive, underperforming state to a proactive, high-output center of excellence. The ideal candidate possesses a "fixer" mindset—someone who can identify systemic bottlenecks, earn the trust of a skeptical workforce, and implement Lean/Six Sigma methodologies to drive productivity gains. Key Responsibilities Cultural Transformation & Leadership Reset the

Standard:

Establish a culture of accountability, safety, and pride; break down "silo" mentalities and foster open communication between the shop floor and management.

Change Management:

Lead the facility through the discomfort of new processes, using high-touch engagement to minimize resistance.

Talent Development:

Assess the current team, identifying "culture champions" to promote and addressing performance gaps decisively.

Operational Excellence & Productivity Process Overhaul:

Audit existing workflows to eliminate waste (Muda) and optimize throughput using Lean manufacturing principles.

KPI Ownership:

Define and track aggressive targets for OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), Scrap Rates, Labor Efficiency, and On-Time Delivery.

Root Cause Analysis:

Move the facility from "firefighting" to systemic problem-solving by implementing rigorous 5-Whys or Fishbone analysis for recurring failures.

Strategic Turnaround Resource Optimization:

Realign shift structures and maintenance schedules to maximize machine uptime and labor utilization.

Budgetary Control:

Manage CAPEX and OPEX with a focus on high-ROI improvements that directly impact the bottom line.

Required Qualifications Experience:

7-10 years in manufacturing management, with a proven track record of leading at least one successful facility turnaround or major culture shift.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (MBA or Master's preferred).

Certifications:

Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Sensei certification is highly desirable.

Floor Presence:

Exceptional communication skills with the ability to build rapport with both frontline technicians and executive leadership.

Technical Proficiency:

Deep understanding of ERP/MRP systems and data-driven decision-making in a high-pressure environment. #jdp