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Manufacturing Production Operative Jobs in Illinois

Panduit

Production Operator Sr

Lockport, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Are you ready to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology manufacturing? Panduit is seeking dynamic individuals to join our team as Production Operators. If you're passionate about working with ...

Panduit

Production Operator Sr

Lockport, IL

$19/hr

Are you ready to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology manufacturing? Panduit is seeking dynamic individuals to join our team as Production Operators. If you're passionate about working with ...

Panduit

Production Operator Sr (Extrusion)

Lockport, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Are you ready to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology manufacturing? Panduit is seeking dynamic individuals to join our team as Production Operators. If you're passionate about working with ...

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All JobsManufacturing Production Operative JobsManufacturing Production Operative Jobs in Illinois

Manufacturing Production Operative information

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How much do manufacturing production operative jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing production operative in Illinois is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.44 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manufacturing production operative?

A Manufacturing Production Operative is a worker responsible for operating machinery, assembling products, and ensuring production processes run smoothly in a factory or manufacturing environment. Their duties often include monitoring equipment, following safety procedures, and maintaining quality standards. These operatives play a crucial role in keeping production lines efficient and meeting output targets. No formal qualifications are usually required, but attention to detail and the ability to work well in a team are important. Training is often provided on the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manufacturing production operative?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Production Operative, you need attention to detail, manual dexterity, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, safety protocols, and quality control systems is typically required, and some positions may prefer candidates with forklift or OSHA certifications. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient production processes, ensuring workplace safety, and delivering consistent product quality.

What are some common challenges faced by manufacturing production operatives, and how can they be addressed?

Manufacturing Production Operatives often face challenges such as maintaining consistent quality during fast-paced production runs and adapting to new machinery or processes. Staying vigilant about safety protocols and communicating effectively with team members can help manage these challenges. Regular training sessions and a supportive team environment also play a key role in ensuring operatives can quickly adapt to changes and troubleshoot issues efficiently.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Production Operative vs Manufacturing Assembly Worker?

AspectManufacturing Production OperativeManufacturing Assembly Worker
CredentialsBasic training, health & safety certificationsBasic training, health & safety certifications
Work EnvironmentFactory floor, production linesFactory floor, assembly lines
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing plantsCommonly used in manufacturing plants
Job FocusOperating machinery, quality checksAssembling components, following instructions

Both roles are essential in manufacturing, often overlapping in work environment and required skills. The Manufacturing Production Operative typically involves operating machinery and quality control, while the Manufacturing Assembly Worker focuses on assembling parts. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role suited to their skills and career goals.

What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Production Operative jobs in Illinois?

For Manufacturing Production Operative jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Production Operative jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Production Operative jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Manufacturing Production Operative jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Manufacturing Production Operative job openings:

Manufacturing Production Operative jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Production Operative job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,322 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Manufacturing Production Supervisor

Antioch, IL • On-site

Fischer Paper Products Inc
See more jobs at Fischer Paper Products Incexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Manufacturing Production Supervisor

Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Production Supervisor to lead technical support, workforce development, production optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives within our manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for supervising technical staff, developing operator capabilities, driving operational excellence, and ensuring compliance with quality and food safety standards.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader with a proven manufacturing background, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a passion for developing people and improving processes.

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Development
  • Lead and supervise Technical Operations team members, including scheduling, coaching, performance management, and employee development.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
  • Partner with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams to achieve operational goals.
  • Mentor employees on project management principles and successful execution.
  • Drive engagement and workforce development initiatives across the operation.
Training & Workforce Readiness
  • Lead hands-on training for machine operators on equipment setup, troubleshooting, changeovers, and best practices.
  • Develop and implement onboarding programs and skills-based training plans for new hires.
  • Provide ongoing coaching to strengthen technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and equipment ownership.
  • Drive cross-training, succession planning, and workforce capability initiatives.
  • Identify skill gaps and create targeted development plans to improve overall team performance.
  • Promote a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
Technical Support & Troubleshooting
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for complex equipment, process, and production issues.
  • Diagnose and resolve technical challenges that impact safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with Production and Maintenance teams to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.
  • Support troubleshooting efforts related to materials, processes, and manufacturing systems.
Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement
  • Lead Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives from concept through implementation.
  • Utilize Lean Manufacturing principles and root-cause analysis tools to improve operational performance.
  • Analyze production metrics and identify opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
  • Implement corrective and preventive actions to support operational excellence.
  • Support new product introductions, process changes, and pilot runs.
Quality & Food Safety Compliance
  • Ensure products consistently meet customer specifications and company quality standards.
  • Partner with Quality teams to investigate non-conformances and implement corrective actions.
  • Maintain compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
  • Enforce adherence to:
    • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
    • Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards
    • Company safety policies and procedures
QualificationsRequired.
  • 5–10+ years of manufacturing, technical operations, or production support experience.
  • 2–5+ years of supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Working knowledge of GMP and HACCP requirements.
  • Excellent communication, coaching, and team leadership abilities.
Preferred
  • Experience in food manufacturing, packaging, converting, or related industries.
  • Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Six Sigma experience.
  • Experience training machine operators and leading workforce development initiatives.
  • Project management experience within a manufacturing environment.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive salary
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
  • Professional Development and Career Growth Opportunities
Why Join Us?
  • Lead meaningful operational and workforce development initiatives.
  • Play a key role in driving continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence.
  • Work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
  • Make a measurable impact on safety, quality, productivity, and employee development.
  • Grow your career with a company committed to employee success and operational excellence.

Apply today and help shape the future of manufacturing operations through leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Apply