Production Manager

Company: R & B Wagner
Location: Butler
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Summary Reporting to the VP of Operations, the Production Manager is responsible for directing and coordinating daily manufacturing operations to meet customer requirements for safety, quality, cost, and delivery. This role leads production teams, drives performance through Lean and modern manufacturing principles, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. The Production Manager develops an engaged, flexible, and high performing workforce by building strong relationships, coaching effectively, and ensuring efficient resource utilization. Essential Duties and Responsibilities This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time. Safety & Compliance 1. Establish and maintain a zero accident safety culture, ensuring safe work practices, proper PPE use, and compliance with all company, state, and federal safety regulations. 2. Lead incident investigations, corrective actions, and proactive risk mitigation activities. 3. Ensure all employees receive proper safety training and follow required procedures. Production Leadership 4. Manage day to day manufacturing operations to meet production schedules and customer delivery requirements. 5. Coordinate with Sales, Estimating, Purchasing, Engineering, and Production Scheduling to manage workflow, improve throughput, and enhance on time delivery. 6. Allocate labor and resources effectively to minimize downtime, overtime, scrap, and rework. 7. Maintain high standards of product quality, ensuring compliance with specifications, drawings, and customer expectations. 8. Provide daily leadership to production supervisors and teams through clear communication and hands on engagement. Continuous Improvement 9. Implement and reinforce Lean Manufacturing, QRM, and other structured manufacturing methodologies. 10. Establish and manage effective performance metrics, visual controls, and tiered communication practices. 11. Lead continuous improvement projects aimed at waste reduction, cost savings, process reliability, and improved service levels. 12. Support ISO driven processes and quality system requirements. People Development 13. Build, develop, and support a motivated, flexible, and cross-trained workforce. 14. In partnership with the VP of Operations and HR, contribute to hiring decisions, staffing levels, and employee relations. 15. Conduct coaching, performance feedback, and support skill development and training initiatives. 16. Promote teamwork, accountability, and open communication across all shifts. Process, Equipment & Product Support 17. Guide teams in improving processes, workflow, equipment utilization, and work methods to increase efficiency and quality. 18. Participate in product and process development projects, ensuring manufacturability and smooth transitions to production. 19. Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering to address equipment issues and ensure uptime and reliability. Other Responsibilities 20. Manage compliance with internal policies and procedures. 21. Support operational reporting, KPI tracking, and strategic initiatives as directed by the VP of Operations. 22. Perform other duties as assigned. Requirements Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a metal fabrication or similar manufacturing environment. Demonstrated progression in leadership responsibility, including direct supervision, coaching, and team development. Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD) preferred. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, and supply chain interactions. Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Working knowledge of fabricated metal products such as stairs, balconies, handrails, or similar systems preferred. Strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing, QRM, and continuous improvement methodologies. Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and make sound decisions under pressure. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and levels. Ability to analyze data, interpret metrics, and drive performance improvements. Skilled at building high trust, team oriented working environments. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to bend, stoop, climb ladders, balance and move about the facility. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 40 pounds.

Keywords: R & B Wagner, Downers Grove , Production Manager, Engineering , Butler, Illinois