Demo

Production Manager - Change Agent (1128336)

The Judge Group
Jacksonville, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 4/18/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/17/2026
Location: Jacksonville, IL

Salary: $100,000.00 USD Annually - $140,000.00 USD Annually

Description

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

By providing your phone number, you consent to: (1) receive automated text messages and calls from the Judge Group, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively "Judge") to such phone number regarding job opportunities, your job application, and for other related purposes. Message & data rates apply and message frequency may vary. Consistent with Judge's Privacy Policy, information obtained from your consent will not be shared with third parties for marketing/promotional purposes. Reply STOP to opt out of receiving telephone calls and text messages from Judge and HELP for help.

Contact: rgahagan@judge.com

This job and many more are available through The Judge Group. Find us on the web at www.judge.com

Salary : $100,000 - $140,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Production Manager - Change Agent (1128336)?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Production Manager - Change Agent (1128336) career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$131,989 - $180,602
Income Estimation: 
$171,757 - $234,497
Income Estimation: 
$114,819 - $159,031
Income Estimation: 
$157,188 - $220,805
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at The Judge Group

  • The Judge Group Lexington, KY
  • Our client, the global leader in their consumer products portfolio, is currently seeking a new Brand Manager to work on one of their top brands. Newly adde... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • The Judge Group Arlington, VA
  • Our client, a top food manufacturer, is currently seeking a Sr. Financial Analyst to join their team. Position based in the VA/DC/MD area onsite ( local ca... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • The Judge Group Wilmington, DE
  • The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing high-quality applications. They will also be responsible for designing and implementing testable and... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • The Judge Group Washington, DC
  • Facility Medstar Washington Hospital Center Specialty Endoscopy Job Type Nursing Employment Travel/Contract Shift Day (4x10 Hours) 7:00 17:30 Contract Grou... more
  • 16 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Production Manager - Change Agent (1128336) jobs in the Jacksonville, IL area that may be a better fit.

  • Judge Direct Placement Springfield, IL
  • Judge Direct Placement is partnering with a premier manufacturing leader in the Springfield, IL area to find a visionary Production Manager to lead a high-... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) Springfield, IL
  • This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more Information, Please See https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13405127 ## Essent... more
  • 11 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!