Production Manager

Hollister-Whitney (O) – Quincy, IL 62305 Overview Level: Experienced

Category: Salaried

Description If you are a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives on the production floor, develops high-performing teams, and drives measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity, we want to talk to you. We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead a designated manufacturing value stream at Hollister-Whitney, part of Vantage Elevation.

About Us Vantage Elevation, LLC is North America’s leading independent manufacturer of elevator components and systems. Vantage is comprised of eight business units, including GAL Manufacturing, GAL Canada, Hollister-Whitney, Elevator Controls, Courion, Bore-Max, Thames Valley Controls, and Vertical Dimensions.

Through its brands, Vantage supplies nearly all electromechanical devices used in contemporary elevators. Founded in 1927, Vantage employs more than 900 people across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Position Summary

As the Production Manager, you will lead all aspects of an assigned manufacturing value stream and serve as a key member of the Hollister-Whitney leadership team. You will be accountable for driving performance in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and employee engagement while developing a high-performing team of supervisors, team leads, and production employees.

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role that requires a strong and consistent presence on the manufacturing floor. You will work closely with Engineering, Quality, Materials, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Environmental Health and Safety, Human Resources, and Customer Service to achieve production and business objectives.

The successful candidate will be an accountable, people-focused leader who uses data, Lean principles, and disciplined execution to deliver sustainable results. This role is ideal for an ambitious manufacturing professional who is motivated to grow into broader plant leadership responsibilities over time.

Responsibilities A typical day may include:

• Lead the daily production activities of an assigned manufacturing value stream, ensuring production plans are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with customer commitments
• Drive performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and employee engagement using operational metrics and disciplined corrective action
• Maintain a visible presence on the manufacturing floor, remove production barriers, and optimize labor, equipment, materials, and other resources
• Lead, coach, and develop Production Supervisors, Team Leads, and hourly employees while establishing clear expectations and accountability for results
• Build a culture of safety, quality, collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with OSHA requirements and company policies
• Lead safety observations, incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions to reduce workplace hazards, defects, scrap, and rework
• Champion Lean Manufacturing practices, including Kaizen events, waste reduction, and initiatives to improve throughput, OEE, labor utilization, inventory accuracy, and first-pass yield
• Manage labor efficiency, overtime, productivity, manufacturing costs, departmental budgets, and improvement opportunities that support profitability
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Materials, Maintenance, EHS, Human Resources, and Customer Service to resolve challenges and achieve business objectives
• Lead organizational change with urgency, sound judgment, and a strong focus on employees and customers

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and manufacturing leadership experience
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
• At least five years of experience leading supervisors and hourly production teams
• Demonstrated success leading production in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment, such as metal fabrication, machining, welding, capital equipment, industrial equipment, or engineered products manufacturing
• Proven ability to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and overall production performance
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong business acumen with the ability to manage operational metrics, budgets, and financial performance
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees and frontline leaders
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead effectively through change
• Proven ability to influence others and drive accountability across functional boundaries
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and ERP systems

Preferred

• MBA or advanced technical degree
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Experience with ERP systems such as Infor, SAP, Oracle, or a comparable platform
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 quality management system
• Experience in a union manufacturing environment
• Multi-site manufacturing leadership experience

Benefits of Working With Us

• Competitive base salary of $110,000-$140,000 (commensurate with experience, qualifications, and market conditions)
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401(k) with Company Match and Non-Elective Contribution
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Annual Incentive Compensation Program (ICP)
• Career Development and Growth Opportunities
• ...and more

Position Details

• Full-Time
• First Shift
• Location: Quincy, IL—on-site at Hollister-Whitney
• Member of the Site Leadership Team
• Direct supervision of Production Supervisors, Team Leads, and production employees
• Reports to the Vice President and General Manager

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Elevation, LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind in accordance with applicable laws.