Plant Manager

Plant Manager | CTI Cutting Dies | Elmhurst, IL | Full-time, On-site | $110,000 – $140,000 total compensation (base plus bonus) CTI Cutting Dies is looking for a proven manufacturing leader to run day-to-day plant operations and take the business to its next level. You will own safety, quality, on-time delivery, equipment uptime, and the people who make it happen. You will lead from the floor, not from the desk. Die-making experience is not required. If you have led production teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, we want to talk to you. Our technical expertise is already in house. We need a leader who can drive change, build discipline, and raise the bar. About CTI Cutting Dies Founded in 1993, CTI Cutting Dies (Converting Technology, Inc.) is a complete tooling partner to the folding carton, packaging, label, and specialty converting industries. We design and build steel rule cutting dies, press-ready tool sets, counters, stripping systems, blankers, laser-engraved tooling, embossing and debossing dies, and foil stamping dies. We ship across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Precision is the standard. Every die is measured on our Acu-Gauge system before it ships, and we hold tolerances of +/- .002". We were named ICG Supplier of the Year in 2023, and we were the first U.S. company to bring laser engraving technology to our category. CTI is part of DFC Manufacturing Group, a portfolio of specialty tooling and converting companies. DFC acquired CTI in November 2022. You will have the backing of a larger platform while running a plant that stays close to its customers. What You Will Do Own plant operations end to end: safety, quality, productivity, on-time delivery, and cost control. Build and hold the daily, weekly, and monthly production schedule. Match capacity to demand honestly. Lead department supervisors, leads, and operators. Coach, hold people accountable, and make the tough labor calls. Keep equipment running. Oversee maintenance and repairs so uptime supports the schedule. Set, track, and report production KPIs. Use the data to cut scrap, rework, and nonconformance. Drive continuous improvement. Challenge the status quo and standardize what works. Manage staffing and labor scheduling with the General Manager and HR. Cross-train the team for flexibility. Work with sales, customer service, and quality to meet customer commitments. Meet with customers on quality concerns and corrective actions. Keep order entry, ERP data, and production documentation accurate and complete. Hold the team to OSHA standards, company policy, and customer requirements. Step in on the floor when needed to support throughput, training, or shift coverage. What You Bring Required Five or more years of direct management experience over production personnel in a manufacturing environment. Five to ten years of experience across operations functions (production, warehouse, supply chain, or similar) with a record of delivering results. Progressive leadership experience, including direct supervision of first-line leaders and shop-floor employees. Working knowledge of production processes, quality systems, and safety standards. Experience with ERP and production scheduling systems, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Clear, confident communication with operators, customers, and senior leaders. Ability to pass a physical and drug test as a condition of employment. Preferred Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent experience is considered in lieu of a degree. Lean, Six Sigma, ISO 9000, or similar continuous-improvement training. Experience in packaging, printing, converting, or die cutting. This is a plus, not a requirement. Leaders from any strong manufacturing background are encouraged to apply. How you lead You are on the floor every day. Supervisors and operators see you and know they can raise issues with you directly. You move with urgency and make decisions in the…

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