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Production Manager Trainee Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

McElroy Metal

Manufacturing Manager Trainee

Clinton, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

The Manufacturing Manager Trainee, under direction from the Production Manager, will assist with oversight for the day-to-day shop activities, meet production deadlines, and provide leadership to the ...

McElroy Metal

Manufacturing Manager Trainee

Clinton, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

The Manufacturing Manager Trainee, under direction from the Production Manager, will assist with oversight for the day-to-day shop activities, meet production deadlines, and provide leadership to the ...

RENT ONE

Manager in Training (MIT)

Decatur, IL · On-site

$20/hr

... products from today's top brands, and after forty years servicing thousands of happy clients, we're looking for Manager in Training (MIT) / Store Manager Trainee to help us get to next level. JOB ...

RENT ONE

Manager in Training (MIT)

Decatur, IL · On-site

$20/hr

... products from today's top brands, and after forty years servicing thousands of happy clients, we're looking for Manager in Training (MIT) / Store Manager Trainee to help us get to next level. JOB ...

OneMain Financial

Loan Sales Specialist

Decatur, IL

$18 - $22/hr

Clearly educate and inform customers on optional insurance products, ensuring customers have a ... Management Trainee, Finance, Full-time, Career, Benefits, Customer experience, Financial ...

OneMain Financial

Loan Sales Specialist

Decatur, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Clearly educate and inform customers on optional insurance products, ensuring customers have a ... Management Trainee, Finance, Full-time, Career, Benefits, Customer experience, Financial ...

CVS Health

Pharmacy Manager - Store 06923

Sullivan, IL · On-site

$61.25 - $72/hr

... chain products for our patients and our business * Conducting new Technician and Pharmacist ... trainees are on-track for timely completion of required training and/or licensure * Ensuring ...

All JobsProduction JobsProduction Manager Trainee JobsProduction Manager Trainee Jobs in Decatur, IL

Production Manager Trainee information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$5

$26

$31

How much do production manager trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for production manager trainee in Decatur, IL is $26.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $29.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a management trainee make?

A production manager trainee typically earns between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Entry-level trainees may start at lower wages, with opportunities for advancement as they gain skills and certifications in production processes and management tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Production Manager Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Production Manager Trainee, you need a foundational understanding of manufacturing processes, a relevant degree (such as in engineering or business), and strong analytical abilities. Familiarity with production management software, lean manufacturing tools, and safety regulations is commonly required. Effective communication, leadership potential, and strong problem-solving skills help distinguish top candidates in this role. These skills ensure efficient production operations, support team leadership, and promote continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.

What are Production Manager Trainees?

Production Manager Trainees are entry-level professionals who are being trained to oversee and coordinate the manufacturing process in a facility. They work under the supervision of experienced production managers to learn about production planning, workflow optimization, quality control, and staff management. Their goal is to gain the necessary skills and experience to eventually take on a full production manager role, ensuring that products are made efficiently, safely, and within quality standards. Typically, they participate in hands-on training, shadowing, and sometimes classroom instruction as part of their development.

Is a production manager a hard job?

A production manager role involves overseeing manufacturing processes, coordinating teams, and ensuring production deadlines are met, which can be demanding and require strong organizational and problem-solving skills. The job often involves long hours, managing multiple priorities, and handling unexpected issues on the production floor.

What is a production management trainee?

A production management trainee is an entry-level position designed to develop skills in overseeing manufacturing processes, coordinating teams, and ensuring production efficiency. Trainees typically learn about quality control, safety protocols, and use of production management tools during their training period. The role often involves mentorship and on-the-job training to prepare for a full production management position.

What qualifications do you need to be a trainee manager?

To become a production manager trainee, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles preferring a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field. Relevant skills include leadership, communication, and problem-solving, along with familiarity with production processes and safety standards. Prior experience in manufacturing or operations can be beneficial but is not always required.

What is the difference between Production Manager Trainee vs Production Supervisor?

AspectProduction Manager TraineeProduction Supervisor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in manufacturing, engineering, or related fieldOften requires experience in production or manufacturing, sometimes with certifications
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, learning management skills in production settingsOversees daily production operations on the shop floor
Employer UsageEntry-level training role within manufacturing companiesMid-level role responsible for supervising production staff
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry points and training roles in production managementLooking for supervisory roles in manufacturing

The Production Manager Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning management skills and gaining industry knowledge, often through training programs. In contrast, a Production Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily operations and managing production staff. While both roles are integral to manufacturing, the trainee role is more about development, whereas the supervisor role involves direct supervision and operational decision-making.

What are some common challenges faced by a Production Manager Trainee, and how can they be addressed?

Production Manager Trainees often encounter challenges related to balancing production schedules, managing diverse teams, and adapting quickly to new processes or technologies. It's common to feel pressure when handling tight deadlines or unexpected supply chain issues. Proactively communicating with team members, seeking guidance from experienced managers, and staying organized with task management tools can help overcome these challenges. Building strong relationships across departments also fosters a supportive environment and smoother workflow.
What are popular job titles related to Production Manager Trainee jobs in Decatur, IL? For Production Manager Trainee jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Production Manager Trainee jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Production Manager Trainee jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Production Manager Trainee jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Production Manager Trainee job openings:
Production Manager Trainee jobs near you

Manufacturing Manager Trainee

McElroy Metal

Clinton, IL • On-site

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

McElroy Metal rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

About McElroy Metal
McElroy Metal is a leading manufacturer of metal roofing, metal siding and sub-structural components with 14 manufacturing facilities, 28 Service Centers and 44 Metal Mart locations across the US.
After three generations of family ownership, McElroy transitioned to an employee-owned company (ESOP) in 2022. Ian McElroy, who continues to serve as the President of McElroy Metal, shared the reason for the change, "The one constant trait during our 60-year history is the influence and support of employees. Throughout the country, McElroy Metal is blessed to have loyal team members, including many that have dedicated decades of service to the company. As a show of appreciation, McElroy Metal team members are now employee owners of McElroy Metal."
Recruitment Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu0kwO8cYck
Benefits
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program
  • Comprehensive medical plan for all full-time employees and their dependents
  • Prescription card benefit
  • Dental plan for all regular full-time employees
  • Life insurance for all regular, full-time employees at no cost to the employee
  • Employee Assistance Program for all our employees and their immediate family members
  • Short-term and Long-term disability insurance for all regular, full-time employees at no cost to the employee
  • Educational Assistance Program
  • 401(k) Plan, a company match and a profit-sharing plan
  • Vacation, Paid Holidays, and Paid Sick Leave for regular, full-time employees
  • Financial performance incentive programs
  • In-house and outside employee training and development opportunities

Summary
McElroy Metal has an opening for the position of Manufacturing Manager Trainee at the Clinton, IL Manufacturing center. The Manufacturing Manager Trainee, under direction from the Production Manager, will assist with oversight for the day-to-day shop activities, meet production deadlines, and provide leadership to the manufacturing & shipping teams. Successful candidate will enjoy working on and eventually leading a team. Trainee status length will depend on overall capabilities & performance of the candidate.
Hours
8:00 am - 5:00 pm M-F
Responsibilities
  • Utilization of company software systems (JDE, Lean Work Bench, Scheduling/Loading Dashboard, Ship Track, P2P/Uptime, etc.) to support daily production, loading, and customer service requirements
  • Executes daily scheduling of production, assignment of raw materials, and said completion of production requirements
  • Responsible for the accurate and daily completion of work center P2P (Productivity) documentation, along with ensuring teams meet target productivity goals
  • As a member of the leadership Safety team, is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment, and ensuring all safety and quality inspections are completed
  • Ensures start / stop times are adhered to and efficient use of all resources is utilized.
  • Supports and guides Lean initiatives (CI) and helps develop the overall Lean strategy to be implemented and sustained
  • Assists in establishing team goals, provides training, and tracks key performance metrics to ensure continuous improvement
  • Assists in managing production employees to include developing team members, employment decisions, and performance assessments. • Ensures cross training of all team members, across all job functions, to optimize capabilities of the team
  • Has oversight on shipping team to ensure on time completion of outbound loads, with 100% accurate fill rates
  • Empowers team members in a positive manner to drive team's success
  • Ensures plant-wide Best Practice Standards and housekeeping requirements are maintained.

Experience/Skills
  • High School Diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's degree preferred
  • Strong leadership, coaching and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated problem analysis and problem-solving skills and have ability to coach team members in developing these skills.
  • Ability to organize, plan, coordinate and execute.
  • Ability to refine manufacturing processes to achieve continuous improvements in quality, delivery and cost.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment with a supervisory level role

Visit our McElroyMetal.com employment page for more information about our company, our locations, and how to join the McElroy Metal team.
McElroy Metal will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if McElroy Metal is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
McElroy Metal is an equal opportunity employer. We provide an inclusive environment that allows each employee to be their best based upon their merit, talent and aspiration. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.
McElroy Metal is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment. Requests for an accommodation should be made with the hiring manager.

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