Production Manager at Ellwood Group

Ellwood Crankshaft Group (ECG) is the world's leading manufacturer and remanufacturer of large, one-of-a-kind, multiple-throw crankshafts. ECG's products and services include crankshafts and eccentrics used in mechanical stamping presses, reciprocating air and gas compressors, reciprocating pumps, engines, mechanical shears, rock crushers, homogenizers and other miscellaneous applications. ECG services the locomotive, shipping, mechanical press, oil and gas and compression markets.
Today, ECG has seven facilities in three different states. We currently have an opening for the salary-exempt position of Production Manager at Ellwood Chrome Crankshaft (ECC) in Joliet, IL. This position will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and will report directly to the ECC Plant Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. (5) years hands-on manufacturing experience
2. Extensive product and operations knowledge
3. Ability to trouble shoot maintenance and tooling issues
4. Ability to provide technical support
5. Strong leadership and team-building skills
6. Proven track record of continuous improvement
7. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
8. Strong verbal and written communication skills
9. Experience in training and developing others
10. Well-organized and detail-oriented
11. Self-directed and works well independently
12. Excellent interpersonal skills and positive attitude
13. Strong computer skills and Syteline familiarity
14. Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Engineering or equivalent, or equivalent work experience
15. Results oriented with a strong desire to succeed

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. (10) years of hands-on experience relevant to the area being managed: Machine shop or chemical plating operation
2. 1-3 years of management or supervisory experience
3. Experience dealing with customers one-on-one
4. Experience in operating various machines, various product lines and in-depth knowledge of ECC processes
5. Understanding and experience in Lean manufacturing principles
6. Fluent in Microsoft Office applications

RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:
This list is not an all-inclusive list but is a general outline. The Production Manager will own all facets of production – people, parts, systems and machines. A more detailed position profile is available upon request. General responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Build and maintain positive employee relations
• Maintain a safe work environment
• Oversee all environmental government compliance and ensure reporting and documentation is kept updated to comply with state and federal mandates
• Deliver excellent Quality to customers, both internal and external by working in parallel with the Plant Manager and Engineers to elevate ECC’s Quality Program

• Deliver product on-time by providing employees with clear work instructions and up-to-date production metrics
• Constantly evaluate ECC’s processes to drive continuous improvement and lead the changes necessary to achieve these improvements
• Promote and maintain shop organization and cleanliness
• Manage contractor safety
• Investigate Near Hits, write and implement Cause and Corrective Action(s)
• Lead internal Safety audits
• Improve product quality and drive Zero Defects through continuous improvement efforts
• Execute production plans, including staffing arrangements (cross-training, hiring, etc.)
• Receive material, create jobs, apply material, route jobs, create Bills of Lading, etc. in Syteline
• Identify, eliminate and prevent obstacles to product flow, quality, and productivity
• Facilitate/communicate any maintenance needs and create Maintenance work orders via Syteline
• Lead new product development
• Elevate operator skill levels and support employee developmental opportunities
• Complete 30, 60, 90 Day and Annual Performance Evaluations
• Address employees as necessary for Safety violations, Quality and Production performance, etc.
• Provide full operational support and follow up on people’s concerns, requests, or questions
• Reduce cycle time without degradation of safety, equipment or quality
• Be the “go to” technical resource for the shop and provide feedback and ideas
• Establish, document and ensure best practices are used throughout your areas, including Operating Guidelines
• Audit work centers to ensure on-going compliance to safety, housekeeping, and other established requirements
• Interact with customers on technical, quality and scheduling topics
• Compile and provide summary data to customers (i.e., WIP, Quality issues)
• Work different shifts to be available to all ECC employees, as necessary