Manufacturing Manager

Job Description:

ITW Car Care is a division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), specializing in automotive aftermarket products. The division offers a diverse portfolio of brands such as Rain-X wiper blades, visibility enhancing products, and water repellent treatments, including our 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner. Black Magic to support all your wheel and tire needs including Tire Wet.

Role Summary

The Manufacturing Manager is responsible for leading daily operations across four production lines, driving performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong floor presence, problem-solving capability, and the ability to build and develop high-performing teams.

This role reports to the Operations Director and plays a critical part in executing the ITW Business Model through disciplined daily management and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Drive Daily Performance & Accountability

• Own performance across 4 production lines, ensuring:
  • OEE >85%
  • OTIF >98%
  • Strong control of Safety, Quality, labor, scrap, and productivity
• Lead daily management routines (tier meetings, KPIs, escalation)
• Ensure production schedules are met on an MRD basis

2. Build and Develop High-Performing Teams

• Lead and coach Working Supervisors to drive engagement and accountability
• Develop talent and create a strong pipeline of future leaders
• Foster a culture of teamwork, ownership, collaboration, and respect
• Address performance gaps through coaching and development

3. Safety & Quality Leadership

• Drive a safety-first culture with strong employee engagement
• Ensure consistent application of EHS and Quality processes
• Lead root cause problem-solving for safety and quality incidents

4. Continuous Improvement (ITW Toolbox)

• Drive practical, results-oriented improvements using:
  • ITW Toolbox / 80-20
  • Lean Manufacturing & Standard Work
• Lead high-impact initiatives to improve:
  • OEE
  • Labor efficiency
  • Inventory and cost
• Ensure sustainability of improvements (not one-time events)

5. Cross-Functional Execution

• Partner with Planning to improve inventory, scheduling, and delivery performance
• Work closely with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability and uptime
• Collaborate with Quality and Supply Chain to resolve constraints and improve flow

6. Capacity & Equipment Management

• Manage capacity planning and constraints to meet customer demand
• Support preventive maintenance programs and equipment performance improvements
• Prioritize capital and improvement opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field
• 7–10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
• Proven experience leading direct labor and front-line supervisors
• Strong hands-on experience in:
  • Lean Manufacturing / ITW Toolbox
  • OEE improvement and line performance
• Experience working in high-volume manufacturing environments
• ERP experience (JDE preferred)

Compensation Information:

based on experience, $117,000 -$125,000

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.