Production Manager - Taylorville IL

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like you, by investing in your professional development and providing opportunities for personal growth.

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We are looking for a Production Manager at our Taylorville, IL Plant. The target salary range for this position is $,000 plus eligibility for a Short Term Incentive Plan at a 12% max. The Production Manager is responsible for leading day‑to‑day manufacturing operations to ensure the reliable execution of the supply plan while meeting safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. This role drives operational excellence by optimizing productivity, developing people, and fostering a strong culture of safety and continuous improvement in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

• Lead and manage daily production operations to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant manufacturing.
• Ensure full compliance with OSHA regulations, ISO and quality standards, and Ahlstrom safety policies.
• Champion a strong safety culture by addressing employee concerns, supporting plant safety initiatives, and leading safety and quality meetings and training.
• Review production schedules and allocate resources (staffing, inventory, work assignments) to meet customer delivery and quality requirements within budget.
• Drive cost optimization, productivity improvements, and operational efficiency in line with Ahlstrom standards.
• Lead, coach, and develop Shift Supervisors and production teams; ensure timely completion of training and performance evaluations.
• Lead hiring efforts for the production workforce and support workforce planning.
• Provide coverage and operational support for Shift Supervisors as needed.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to ensure strong “macro‑site” performance across departments. Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, quality, and productivity.
• Participate in site audits (ISO, insurance, etc.) and support compliance activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management or a related field, or equivalent manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 5 years of production management experience, preferably in the pulp and paper or related manufacturing industry.
• At least 2 years of direct people leadership experience.
• Strong end‑to‑end process understanding and manufacturing operations expertise.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams while driving accountability.
• Demonstrated commitment to building and sustaining a culture of safety.

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple crews and priorities in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies.
• Solid problem‑solving, troubleshooting, and project coordination skills.
• High level of independent judgment, organization, and self‑motivation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing systems.
• Ability to influence, drive change, and build constructive working relationships.

• Significant time spent on the manufacturing floor.
• Ability to work in hot and cold environments, indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment including but not limited to steel‑toe footwear, eye protection, bump cap, ear plugs, etc.
• On‑call availability to support plant operations as needed.
• Some travel required.

Ahlstrom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal opportunity is a sound and just concept to which we are firmly bound. Ahlstrom will not engage in discrimination…