Production Manager – Chemical Manufacturing

Production Manager – Chemical ManufacturingLocation: On-site in Chicago, ILA fast-growing specialty chemical manufacturer in the Chicago metro area is searching for a hands-on Production Manager to lead its batch manufacturing operations. Under revitalized leadership and with a renewed focus on operational excellence, this facility is scaling rapidly and investing in modernized practices, team growth, and continuous improvement. This is a pivotal opportunity for a leader who thrives in small-team environments and is eager to make a direct impact on production performance, safety culture, and people development.About the Role:The Production Manager will oversee day-to-day operations within a chemical manufacturing facility, managing a tight-knit group of long-tenured operators. This role blends leadership with direct involvement on the floor and is ideal for someone who enjoys coaching teams, driving process improvements, and working with hazardous materials in a regulated setting.Key Responsibilities:Leadership & Team DevelopmentLead, coach, and develop a team of chemical operators, setting clear expectations and promoting accountability.Build rapport with a close-knit operator team and maintain a strong, respectful work culture.Oversee attendance, performance management, and the hiring/onboarding of new team members.Conduct regular team huddles focused on safety, production metrics, and problem-solving.Production OversightManage daily chemical mixing and batch production activities to meet safety, quality, and delivery targets.Work alongside the team to troubleshoot equipment, support peak demand, and ensure operational continuity.Track key performance indicators such as yield, downtime, throughput, and quality.Maintain accurate batch records and ensure adherence to manufacturing protocols.Safety & ComplianceReinforce a safety-first culture, ensuring all hazardous materials are handled per compliance standards.Monitor SOP adherence, enforce PPE usage, and maintain training records.Take immediate corrective action for unsafe behaviors and escalate issues when appropriate.Operational ImprovementIdentify areas for process improvement in layout, efficiency, equipment, or documentation.Lead initiatives to increase reliability, reduce waste, and optimize throughput.Use KPIs and operator feedback to drive continuous improvement and foster a high-performance environment.Qualifications:5+ years of leadership experience in chemical manufacturing or a related batch processing environment (coatings, plating, food, etc.).Proven ability to work safely with hazardous materials in regulated environments.Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English is required.Demonstrated success building and managing frontline teams, including performance and attendance management.Hands-on leadership style with a willingness to mix batches or support operations directly.Strong communication skills and a track record of driving improvements in culture and productivity.What Success Looks Like:Quickly builds trust with the team and leadership.Takes ownership of key projects and delivers results without constant oversight.Manages day-to-day plant operations smoothly while implementing long-term improvements.Drives safety, team cohesion, and reliable production outcomes.About Blue Signal: Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS