Associate Production Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA, currently building a Manufacturing facility in Manteno, IL and has R&D centers in Ohio, China, Japan and Europe. We innovate in the next generation electric vehicle and energy storage technologies (lithium batteries and related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified

• As an Associate Production Manager for the Pack & Module Team at Gotion Illinois, you will play a key role in overseeing daily manufacturing operations for battery packs and modules. You will support production goals by leading frontline teams, driving operational efficiency, maintaining quality standards, and fostering a safe and productive work environment. This position requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and a passion for continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Support and oversee daily production activities for battery pack and module assembly lines, ensuring attainment of safety, quality, delivery, and productivity targets.
• Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions to address operational challenges and minimize downtime.
• Ensure adherence to production schedules and achievement of output goals.
• Lead and develop a team of Production Supervisors, Engineers, and hourly production associates.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to promote employee growth and engagement.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate labor, equipment, and material resources to support production requirements.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to ensure production readiness and operational continuity.
• Ensure compliance with established quality standards and manufacturing procedures.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality-related issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing defects and improving product reliability.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methodologies to optimize operations.
• Track and analyze key production metrics to support data-driven decision-making.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Manufacturing Excellence teams to resolve technical and operational issues.
• Support new product introductions, process changes, and production ramp activities.
• Champion a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with all environmental, health, and safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and corrective action activities.

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of manufacturing leadership experience in a high-volume production environment.
• Experience leading Production Supervisors, Engineers, and/or cross-functional manufacturing teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, and performance management.
• Demonstrated success driving operational improvements, productivity gains, and quality initiatives.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Experience in battery manufacturing, automotive, electronics, or other highly automated manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with MES, ERP systems, and production reporting tools.
• Experience supporting production ramp-up and new product introduction activities.
• The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $112,000.00 –$130,000.00, plus eligibility for 15% bonus and benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by factors such as the role, level, and geographic location. The range listed in the job posting represents the minimum and maximum target salaries for this position across all U.S. locations. Actual compensation within the range will be influenced by the specific work location, along with factors such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter will provide more details about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the listed compensation reflects the base salary only and does not include bonus or benefits.
• At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.