Job Description:

Company Description

Have you ever wondered how an airplane wing doesn’t break off during takeoff & landing?  Or, how a cell phone can withstand impact forces if it falls to the ground?  At Instron, we build mechanical testing systems that allow companies, engineers & scientists to test these and many other products from our everyday lives.

Our systems are trusted by 95% of the world’s largest manufacturing companies to gather critical data, informing the design of components and materials. Our customers use Instron’s products to test a wide range of materials such as metals, plastics, and composites within a diverse range of industries including biomedical, aerospace, electronics and defense.  Our systems can be found in quality control, research and development and educational laboratories throughout the world. 

Instron is part of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a global Fortune 250 diversified industrial manufacturer of value-added consumables and specialty equipment with related service businesses.

What You Will Do:

The Production Manager for the High Force products is responsible for all aspects of our fast-paced production environment, including the production planning and assembly of electromechanical and static hydraulic material testing equipment. This role manages a team of fifteen highly skilled technicians. Responsibilities include: 

• Responsible for production including daily production planning, delivery planning, production cost, safety, quality targets, and production staffing.
• Lead effort to continuously improve safety and quality in all manufacturing areas.
• Interface with the finance and business teams to estimate period review.
• Champion’s efforts to streamline and simplify manufacturing processes.
• Develop and maintain close working relationships across the organization, particularly custom product manufacturing, accounting, quality, engineering, and logistics to develop the best practices in all manufacturing areas.
• Maintain kanban material replenishment, inventory accuracy and cycle count daily.
• Hire, coach, lead and develop staff.

Qualifications

What You Will Bring:

Successful candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree in business or technical, or equivalent experience managing production of complex electromechanical capital equipment. Additional requirements include:

• Leadership experience in a manufacturing environment

• A minimum of 5 years manager experience

• Proven ability to thrive in a fast paced, constantly changing environment is necessary.

• Strong technical acumen. Must be able to assist in solving difficult technical issues

• Aptitude and willingness to work across the organization to meet desired results.

• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals at all levels in the organization ranging from shop floor personnel to senior management.

• A cheerful outlook focused on understanding, anticipating, and responding to the needs of our customers, both internal and external to the department and organization

• Ability to implement lean principles in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong leadership and coaching skills in diverse manufacturing applications

Additional information

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.