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Manufacturing Leader

Principal Service Management
Des Plaines, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 12/31/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/28/2026

About the Role

We are seeking a Manufacturing Leader to oversee and improve a full end-to-end manufacturing operation within a small, established organization.

This role goes well beyond supervising production. You will have direct visibility and influence across the entire supply chain, from material purchasing and vendor management through production, quality, fulfillment, and shipping.

This is an ideal opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing leader who wants real ownership, meaningful impact, and the ability to improve how an operation truly runs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations including production, finishing, quality control, and shipping
  • Own material planning, procurement, inventory flow, and vendor relationships
  • Improve throughput, reduce waste, and shorten production cycle times
  • Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices
  • Partner cross-functionally with customer service, design/art, and accounting
  • Track material usage, waste, and cost to support smarter operational decisions
  • Develop and execute short-term and long-term manufacturing improvement plans

What We’re Looking For

  • Experience leading manufacturing operations in a small or mid-sized environment
  • Strong understanding of full supply chain impact, not just production
  • Hands-on experience with:
  • Material costs and procurement
  • Inventory management and waste reduction
  • Vendor pricing, lead times, and performance
  • Lean manufacturing or process improvement
  • Ability to build trust with tenured teams while introducing smarter systems
  • Strategic thinker who is comfortable working on the floor when needed

Experience in print, graphics, or made-to-order manufacturing is helpful but not required.

Why This Opportunity

  • True end-to-end manufacturing ownership
  • Small organization with real decision-making authority
  • Direct impact on efficiency, cost, and customer experience
  • Opportunity to modernize and improve a legacy operation
  • Stable environment with room to grow

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base salary: $85,000–$90,000
  • Benefits package included

Pay: $85,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85,000 - $90,000

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