Production Manager - Change Agent

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