Production Manager

Who We Are

Founded 50 years ago, Guardian Equipment manufactures emergency eyewash and shower equipment for industrial use. We are a family‑owned company and one of the largest manufacturers of these products in the world. Quality, innovation and service to our customers drive our success.

We love Chicago and have always been here. We are located in a modern 80,000 square foot facility in Chicago’s River North. This is a state‑of‑the‑art facility where we employ 80 people. We have gated off‑street parking, are close to I90 and have easy access to public transportation.

When we say that “our people are our biggest asset”, we mean it. Whatever your career goals are, we believe in developing talent from within. We create opportunities for dedicated employees to grow and advance. We promote from within and support continuing education, technical training and skills development. We are committed to our customers, employees and the community in which we live.

We offer a workplace environment that rewards commitment, talent and the drive for excellence.

We are the leading manufacturer of emergency eyewash and shower equipment in the US. In an emergency, our products are used to rinse someone’s eyes, face or body. We are seeking an assistant production manager to help oversee assembly, testing, packaging and shipping of our products. This is a “hands on” position that is ideal for someone looking to advance their career in manufacturing.

Reporting to the Plant Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Assuring the safe operation of the assembly departments.
• Maintaining consistent, superior quality.
• Ensuring customer orders are filled on time and complete.
• Ensuring efficient utilization of people and resources.
• Enforcing work standards and rules in a union environment.
• Maintaining thorough knowledge of all processes.
• Verifying production processes daily.
• Verifying all production paperwork and boards are properly filled out.
• Preparing production staffing schedules.
• Filling in as needed when production supervisors are absent.
• Running production and operating machinery as needed.
• Monitoring/documenting productivity of cell to meet or exceed standards, including controlling downtime and effectively utilizing employee time.
• Ensuring safety guards and personal protective equipment are always used throughout the assembly departments.
• Following work instructions, procedures and company policies, including safety procedures.
• Maintaining good housekeeping throughout the assembly departments.

You will support six production team leaders and 40 production workers.

• Degree in manufacturing, engineering or operations management.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Good computer skills.
• Proven leadership ability.
• Ability to identify problems, think through options and implement solutions.
• Working knowledge of modern manufacturing techniques, such as Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement.
• Experience in a union environment and bilingual English/Spanish are a plus.

We offer the chance to work for a stable and growing company where your contributions and efforts are rewarded. Specifically:

• Excellent salary, depending on educational background, skill and experience level.
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan with choice of HMO, PPO and HSA coverage, including vision and dental insurance.
• Comprehensive insurance package that includes life and short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Two weeks paid vacation, ten paid holidays and paid sick leave.

Guardian Equipment Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, committed to developing and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a safe and healthy work environment.