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Production Manager (Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials)

Mitsubishi Chemical Group · Libertyville, IL · $77,680–$116,520 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 9, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you improved throughput or reduced cost in a plant. What did you change and how did you measure it?

What they are checking: Whether they have real continuous improvement results with numbers and know how they got there.

Tell me about an employee you coached who became a stronger performer.

What they are checking: Whether they develop people on the floor rather than only managing schedules and numbers.

You'll be a key partner to the Plant Manager and work with quality, engineering and maintenance. Tell me about a time you resolved a conflict between production and another department.

What they are checking: Whether they can find shared solutions across functions instead of protecting production's numbers at all costs.

What would you do

You'd oversee production across first and second shift. How do you make sure both shifts run to the same standard when you can't be there for all of second?

What they are checking: Whether they build shift leaders, handoffs and metrics so second shift is not left to run on its own.

A key customer order is going to ship late because of a machine breakdown. What do you do in the first few hours?

What they are checking: Whether they can expedite, reshuffle work, involve maintenance and tell the customer early and honestly.

A supervisor wants to skip a safety step to catch up on a late order. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they hold firm on safety under schedule pressure and set that example for every shift.

How would you spend your first 60 days in this plant?

What they are checking: Whether they plan to learn the operation, people and constraints before making big changes.

About the work

Walk me through how you build a production schedule when customer due dates, machine capacity and labor don't all line up.

What they are checking: Whether they can balance load, prioritize orders and communicate tradeoffs instead of promising everything.

Which performance metrics would you put in front of a CNC machining operation every day, and what would you do with them?

What they are checking: Whether they use measures like on-time delivery, scrap, utilization and OEE to drive action, not just report them.

How do you plan for future production needs through capacity and resource planning?

What they are checking: Whether they look ahead at demand and constraints so the plant is ready for growth instead of always reacting.

How do you decide when to add overtime versus hiring or adjusting the schedule?

What they are checking: Whether they think about labor cost, burnout and long-term demand rather than defaulting to overtime.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Mitsubishi Chemical Group.

Company: Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. Job Description: Are you a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys developing people, improving processes, and delivering results? Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing operations while driving safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement. This role provides leadership across 1st and 2nd shift operations and serves as a key partner to the Plant Manager. You will oversee production planning, labor and resource utilization, CNC machining operations, performance metrics, and cross-functional coordination while helping position the facility for continued growth. If you are a manufacturing leader who enjoys being close to the operation, coaching teams, solving problems, and finding better ways to get work done, we encourage you to apply. What You'll Do Lead Production Operations • Oversee daily production activities across 1st and 2nd shifts • Manage production loads and schedules to meet customer deadlines while maintaining quality and efficiency • Coordinate and expedite manufacturing orders throughout the facility • Optimize labor, materials, and equipment utilization to achieve production goals cost-effectively • Plan for future production requirements through capacity and resource forecasting Champion Safety & Quality • Promote and maintain a safe working environment • Ensure compliance with applicable safety requirements and procedures • Reinforce accountability for safe work practices throughout production • Partner with Quality and other functional teams to ensure manufacturing expectations and customer requirements are met Drive Continuous Improvement • Lead process improvement initiatives that increase productivity and reduce waste • Champion innovation and continuous improvement throughout the production organization • Use data and operational metrics to identify opportunities and drive better performance • Partner with Production Leads and Engineering to troubleshoot manufacturing and equipment issues • Apply CNC machining expertise to support effective problem-solving and equipment performance Lead & Develop High-Performing Teams • Motivate, coach, and develop employees to achieve individual and team performance goals • Build a positive, accountable, and results-oriented work culture • Establish clear priorities and expectations across shifts • Support employee development while strengthening overall production capability • Provide hands-on leadership during changing priorities and operational challenges Manage Performance & Planning • Define, monitor, and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) • Use production data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities • Maintain accurate production documentation and data within the ERP manufacturing system • Ensure production planning and resource allocation support both current demand and future capacity needs Collaborate Across the Business • Partner closely with Production Control, Sales, Quality, Engineering, and other department leaders • Establish production priorities and provide clear communication regarding order status • Drive cross-functional problem-solving and alignment • Work with Engineering and Production Department Leads to troubleshoot operational challenges • Serve as second-in-command to the Plant Manager , escalating critical issues and supporting broader plant operations What We're Looking For • Proven experience in CNC machining, fabrication, and manufacturing operations management • Significant experience in production planning and resource management, preferably within CNC machining or contract manufacturing • Demonstrated people leadership and management experience • Strong technical knowledge of CNC machining and manufacturing processes • Experience with Continuous Improvement methodologies preferred • Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills • Ability to analyze operational data and drive process improvements • Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across Sales, Engineering, Quality, and Production • Experience with ERP manufacturing systems • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered • Self-motivated, hands-on leadership style with strong organizational and time-management skills What Will Help You Succeed The ideal candidate combines strong people leadership with hands-on manufacturing expertise . You'll be comfortable spending time in the operation, making timely decisions, coaching employees, analyzing production performance, and partnering across departments to remove barriers. A strong understanding of CNC machining and fabrication will be particularly important, as this position is expected to provide technical leadership when troubleshooting production and equipment challenges. Why Join Us? • Lead manufacturing operations across multiple shifts • Serve as a key operational partner and second-in-command to the Plant Manager • Influence safety, quality, productivity, cost, and customer delivery • Lead continuous improvement initiatives with measurable plant impact • Develop and coach manufacturing talent • Work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Sales, and Production Control • Competitive benefits that begin on Day 1 • Employee Assistance Programs • Curated self-paced Learning & Development programs for employees If you're a hands-on production leader with a passion for CNC manufacturing, developing people, and driving operational excellence , we encourage you to apply and help lead our manufacturing operation forward. The salary range for this position is $77,680 to $116,520 USD Annual. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations may influence base pay offered. This salary will be subject to a geographic adjustment (according to a specific city and state), if an authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please email MCA-MBX_accomodations@m-chem.com. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis. The law requires Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. to post a notice describing the Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination. For information regarding your legal rights and protections, please click on the following link: Know Your Rights Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information As a Federal Contractor, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information please click on the following link: E-Verify .

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