Production Manager

Position Summary

The Production Manager is responsible for leading all production activities at the Chicago Heights facility to ensure the highest standards of Safety, People, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SPQDC) performance. This role is accountable for driving operational excellence, building a high-performance culture, and leading the transformation of the plant to become Vesuvius North America’s flagship manufacturing facility.

This role provides leadership and oversight of shift operations, including supervision of production, maintenance, and quality personnel assigned to production areas. The Production Manager ensures effective production planning, workforce development, equipment reliability, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in alignment with company objectives.

The position plays a critical leadership role in fostering a safe, engaged, high-performing workforce while driving operational excellence and sustainable results.

Key Responsibilities

1. Safety, Environmental & Compliance Leadership

• Champion a zero-harm safety culture and enforce all HSE, environmental, and fire protection regulations.
• Implement and execute the Vesuvius Safety Standards.
• Conduct and approve safety audits, risk assessments, and workplace inspections (including forklifts, cranes, racks, OK-to-Start inspections).
• Implement and monitor Site Safety Improvement Plan (SSIP) actions.
• Lead accident/incident investigations (LTI, MTI, dangerous occurrences) and ensure proper reporting.
• Issue and audit permits for high-risk or non-standard work.
• Ensure proper PPE usage, training, and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with environmental management systems (waste, emissions, noise, wastewater).
• Implement and promote the Vesuvius Safety Standards.

2. Production & Delivery Management

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate daily and weekly production activities to meet customer demand.
• Optimize labor planning, overtime management, and vacation coverage.
• Monitor and improve OEE (target ~85%).
• Lead shift transition meetings and ensure effective communication across shifts.
• React promptly to breakdowns, downtime, and operational disruptions.
• Maintain accurate production reporting in required management systems.
• Support Gemba walks with Plant Manager.
• Ensure availability of tools, materials, and auxiliary supplies.

3. Quality Leadership

• Reduce the cost of non-quality.
• Ensure compliance with standard work instructions (SWIs) and update as necessary.
• Lead or participate in root cause analysis and problem-solving initiatives (8D PPS).
• Manage post-complaint corrective actions and rework activities.
• Supervise measuring tools and ensure proper calibration.
• Communicate quality alerts and train teams on OK/NOK standards.
• Drive continuous improvement of operator standard work.

4. Cost & Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives (5S, standardization, SWI audits, Kaizen workshops).
• Ensure implementation of Vesuvius Operating System on the shop floor and performance improvement.
• Monitor KPIs and improve performance metrics for production areas.
• Identify and document the Capex projects, including automation / cost-saving, safety/ergonomics, variability reduction projects.
• Conduct inventory counts and manage resource utilization.
• Maintain and improve 5S standards throughout production areas.
• Drive process optimization and waste reduction initiatives.

5. Leadership & People Management

• Lead and develop shift leaders and hourly production teams.
• Set schedules, assign tasks, monitor performance, and ensure accountability.
• Conduct onboarding and on-the-job training for new employees.
• Develop and maintain a skill matrix; plan qualification training (forklifts, cranes, equipment).
• Conduct employee performance reviews and provide regular feedback.
• Manage attendance, absenteeism, and workforce planning (including KRONOS/timekeeping systems).
• Participate in recruitment and selection of team members.
• Promote employee engagement aligned with company values.
• Resolve conflicts and apply disciplinary measures when required.
• Ensure compliance with applicable labor agreements (CBA).

6. Equipment & Maintenance Coordination

• Partner with Maintenance to ensure preventive maintenance execution.
• Implement and execute TPM level1.
• Minimize changeover time and improve equipment uptime.
• Ensure equipment readiness for planned maintenance.
• Support mechanical troubleshooting and rapid response to breakdowns.

7. Documentation & Reporting

• Complete daily production logs, environmental reports, and required process documentation.
• Ensure WMS and JDE data accuracy.
• Monitor performance dashboards.
• Oversee timesheets and labor tracking for hourly employees.
• Ensure proper documentation of audits, inspections, and corrective actions.

Emergency & Operational Coverage

• Be prepared to step into operational roles during workforce shortages or emergencies.
• Ensure continuity of leadership during shift changes or absences.
• Maintain operational effectiveness during breakdowns or critical incidents.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Material Science, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field) preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience considered.

Experience

• 5–10 years of manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 3–5 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in refractories, flux, or high-temperature process manufacturing preferred.
• Lean Manufacturing experience strongly preferred.

Knowledge

• Manufacturing processes and production systems.
• ERP proficiency (JDE, SAP)
• HSE regulations and environmental compliance.
• Labor-law relations and workforce management.
• Preventative maintenance principles.
• MS Office proficiency (Word, Excel).
• OEE and performance metrics.

Competencies & Behavioral Expectations

• Strong leadership presence with ability to motivate and engage teams.
• Drives results and holds self and others accountable.
• Action-oriented with strong problem-solving capability.
• Builds effective, high-performing teams.
• Optimizes work processes and improves efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and respect.
• Capable of independent decision-making with minimal supervision.
• Strong conflict resolution and change management skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to traverse plant grounds and access all production areas.
• Ascend/descend stairs, ladders, and equipment platforms.
• Lift up to 55 lbs (occasionally).
• Work in varying environmental conditions.
• Audibly and visually recognize warning alarms.
• Stand, stoop, bend, kneel, reach, push/pull as required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Vesuvius plc is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).