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Production Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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We are seeking an experienced Production Manager - Metal Finishing / Powder Coating to lead daily production operations for a growing metal finishing manufacturer in Villa Park. This Production ...

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We are seeking an experienced Production Manager - Metal Finishing / Powder Coating to lead daily production operations for a growing metal finishing manufacturer in Villa Park. This Production ...

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Director-Production Operations

Chicago, IL · On-site

$187K - $248K/yr

Our products help the grid adapt to severe weather and transition to clean energy. We're big enough ... Drive operational discipline, efficiency, and quality management practices that support corporate ...

... optimize their operations. We hope the impact of our work will improve the lives of farmers ... optimize production and minimize waste Helping irrigated farms in Nebraska manage water more ...

Production Operations Management (30%): Lead production operations across assigned manufacturing departments to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and customer service objectives.

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Production Operations Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$30.5K

$84.1K

$148.7K

How much do production operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for production operations manager in Illinois is $84,060.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,600.00 and $111,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a production operations manager?

Production Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of manufacturing or production facilities. They ensure that production processes run smoothly, efficiently, and safely while meeting quality standards and deadlines. Their duties often include managing staff, coordinating schedules, implementing process improvements, and monitoring inventory and equipment. They also play a key role in problem-solving and liaising between different departments to optimize productivity. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a production operations manager?

To thrive as a Production Operations Manager, you need a solid background in manufacturing processes, operations management, and a relevant degree such as industrial engineering or business. Familiarity with ERP systems, lean manufacturing methodologies, and quality control certifications like Six Sigma are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help drive team performance and process improvements. These skills and qualities are vital for optimizing productivity, ensuring safety, and meeting organizational goals within dynamic production environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a production operations manager and how can they be addressed?

A Production Operations Manager often encounters challenges such as coordinating between multiple departments, managing tight production schedules, and ensuring consistent product quality. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are key to overcoming these hurdles, as is implementing robust process improvement initiatives. Utilizing data-driven decision-making and fostering a collaborative team environment can help resolve conflicts quickly and maintain efficient operations.

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

AspectProduction Operations ManagerProduction Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire production processes, manages teams, implements strategies, and ensures efficiencyDirectly supervises production staff, monitors daily operations, and enforces safety and quality standards
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in manufacturing, engineering, or related field; experience in production managementHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience in manufacturing or production roles
Work EnvironmentOffice and plant floor, strategic planning, team managementPrimarily on the production floor, overseeing daily operations
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, industrial, and production companiesFound in similar industries, often reporting to the Operations Manager

The Production Operations Manager focuses on strategic oversight and managing multiple teams, while the Production Supervisor handles daily supervision of production staff. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Production Operations jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Production Operations jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Production Operations Manager jobs in Illinois?

For Production Operations Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Production Operations Manager jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Production Operations Manager jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Production Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Production Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Production Operations Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,060 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Production Operations Manager

Express Employment Pros - Bloomfield

Villa Park, IL • On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

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Job description

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager – Metal Finishing / Powder Coating to lead daily production operations for a growing metal finishing manufacturer in Villa Park. This Production Manager – Metal Finishing / Powder Coating will oversee workflow, people, quality, and on-time delivery in a fast-paced coating environment serving aerospace, defense, military, medical, and commercial customers. If you are a hands-on Production Manager – Metal Finishing / Powder Coating who understands finishing operations and enjoys building strong teams and improving processes, this is an opportunity to make an immediate impact.


Perks & Benefits

  • $85,000–$110,000 salary based on experience
  • Monday–Friday, 1st shift schedule with weekends off
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • 401(k) and paid time off
  • Join an established 40+ year company experiencing significant growth and facility expansion


What You'll Be Doing

  • Lead daily liquid painting, powder coating, and metal finishing production to maintain quality, efficiency, and on-time delivery.
  • Manage and develop painters, technicians, and production staff while balancing labor, schedules, capacity, and workflow.
  • Monitor production performance, troubleshoot bottlenecks, and implement process improvements that increase productivity and consistency.
  • Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Customer Service to meet customer specifications, NADCAP requirements, and production deadlines.
  • Maintain safe, organized, OSHA-compliant operations while tracking production metrics, labor utilization, and resource needs.


Must Haves

  • 5+ years of production or operations leadership within metal finishing, industrial coatings, liquid painting, powder coating, aerospace, or a closely related manufacturing environment.
  • Hands-on knowledge of coating processes including surface preparation, masking, painting/coating, curing, and inspection.
  • Proven experience leading production teams in a fast-paced, quality-driven manufacturing operation.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, work instructions, and customer requirements.
  • Strong production planning, problem-solving, communication, and team leadership skills.


Nice to Haves

  • Experience working within NADCAP-accredited manufacturing or finishing operations.
  • Aerospace, defense, military, or other highly regulated manufacturing experience.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, continuous improvement, or process optimization.
  • Experience with production metrics, capacity planning, labor utilization, and quoting.
  • Background helping a growing manufacturing operation scale production, teams, or facilities.