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 operationsto achieve production targets, quality standards, safety expectations, employee productivity, and customer requirements.

·Develop and execute production plansthat balance customer demand, labor availability, material readiness, operational capacity, throughput, cost, and service performance.

·Drive operational efficiencyby improving line performance, labor utilization, changeover effectiveness, material flow, waste reduction, and manufacturing cost performance.

·Establish, monitor, and report KPIsrelated to productivity, cost, labor utilization, waste reduction, safety, quality, capacity, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

·Lead continuous improvement initiativesusing Lean, Six Sigma, automation, standard work, and operational excellence methods to strengthen manufacturing performance.

·Partner cross-functionallywith 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 cultureby hiring, training, coaching, and developing manufacturing employees and supervisors while reinforcing accountability, inclusion, respectful communication, and continuous improvement.

·Address employee relations and performance mattersin 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 complianceby reinforcing safe behaviors, regulatory expectations, proactive risk identification, product specifications, and employee ownership of safety and quality.

Qualifications

·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.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies in this position: Integrity, Resourcefulness, Customer Focus, Team Player, Adaptability, Excellence

We offer competitive compensation including base & benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401(k), Paid time off, Additional voluntary benefits

Culligan International Company are the world’s leading water experts, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality water solutions to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, Culligan International offers technologically advanced, state of the art water filtration products, including: water softeners, water filtration systems, industrial water treatment solutions, drinking water systems and whole- house filtration systems.