Engineering & Maintenance Manager Location: Antioch, IL / Onsite

Lead Lean transformation and equipment optimization for a growing manufacturing operation.

The ideal candidate brings strong continuous improvement expertise, technical leadership, and a proactive approach to asset management, partnering closely with Production and Operations to increase uptime, efficiency, product quality, and sustainable operational growth.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead and develop a team of engineers and technicians focused on safe, efficient operation, maintenance, and upgrades of equipment.
• Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across maintenance and engineering functions.
• Implement and manage predictive and preventative maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime and improve line performance.
• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving initiatives to eliminate recurring equipment and process issues.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Bills of Materials, and production standards to support consistent, high-quality manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Production and Operations to support process improvements, ensuring smooth, efficient, and on-spec production.
• Lead innovation and continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging emerging technologies, Lean/Six Sigma methods, and automation to enhance operations.
• Key contributor when evaluating expansions and new technology introductions to the company.

Core Competencies
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Champions Lean manufacturing principles, waste reduction, and operational excellence.
• Communication: Clearly communicates technical and operational information while building strong cross-functional relationships.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with Production, Quality, and Operations teams to achieve shared goals.
• Service Orientation: Focuses on meeting internal and external customer needs through reliable operations.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment and adjusts quickly to operational changes.
• Technical Expertise: Maintains strong engineering knowledge and keeps pace with emerging technologies and industry trends.

Leadership Competencies
• Leading Others: Serves as an advocate, coach, and servant leader focused on employee development, collaboration, and performance management.
• Leading the Organization: Acts as a strategic advisor driving change management, operational improvements, risk management, and compliance.

Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering required (MBA or Master's in Engineering Management preferred).
• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience in engineering and maintenance.
• 5+ years in printing and converting manufacturing.

Demonstrated expertise in:

- Lean manufacturing, 5S, and Six Sigma

- Continuous improvement initiatives

- Preventative and predictive maintenance programs

- Equipment installation, reliability engineering, and automation

- Root cause analysis and problem solving

- Experience managing budgets, capital projects, and technical teams.

- Experience in the paper or flexographic printing industry preferred.