Production Manager - UniFirst

Company: UniFirst
Location: Melrose Park
Posted on: January 1, 2026

Job Description:

Production Manager Careers that Always Deliver! At UniFirst , we Always Deliver —for our customers and our people. Join us as a Production Manager , where you’ll ensure efficient product flow, maintain high-quality standards, and optimize resources to drive growth and profitability. Reporting to the General Manager, you’ll lead a dynamic and diverse team while fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusiveness. Bring your leadership skills, process optimization expertise, and financial acumen to make a meaningful impact in our Production Department. What Your Role Entails: Lead process optimization by guiding the Production department in achieving continuous improvement. Manage resources effectively to meet production targets while ensuring high-quality standards and cost-efficiency. Lead and support team members to foster a collaborative and accountable work environment. Foster a service-oriented culture that delivers exceptional value to internal and external stakeholders. Participate in quality initiatives by conducting audits, root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions. Analyze production costs and identify cost-saving opportunities using financial insights. Ensure safety compliance by conducting regular inspections and providing training and proactive initiatives. Optimize wastewater processes to enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Oversee inventory management, vendor relationships , and equipment maintenance to ensure seamless operations. Develop and implement production schedules while driving operational improvements. Collaborate across departments, including Service, Sales, Maintenance, and Office, to align production goals with business objectives and our enterprise mindset. Demonstrate strategic agility to navigate change, overcome challenges, and achieve long-term success. Oversee employee management, including hiring, onboarding, talent development, retention, and offboarding. Qualifications Core Competencies: Leadership and Team Development: Ability to inspire, guide, and develop a collaborative and accountable team. Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement: Expertise in streamlining processes, achieving operational efficiency, and implementing best practices. Strategic Thinking and Financial Acumen: Capacity to analyze data, manage resources effectively, and align production goals with broader business objectives. Why You’ll Enjoy This Role: Variety and Impact: Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate and lead in a dynamic environment. Collaborative Culture: You’ll work with a diverse team and engage across multiple departments, fostering inclusiveness and shared success. Professional Growth: UniFirst provides continuous training, career advancement opportunities, and a supportive environment for personal and professional development. What You Bring to UniFirst: Minimum 21 years of age. Valid driver's license and safe driving record is required. High School diploma or GED equivalent is required. Minimum of 4 years of relevant leadership experience with strong team building and interpersonal relationships. Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting, carrying, standing, and walking for extended periods. Willingness to travel occasionally (less than 25%). Bachelor's degree or 4 years of production management experience, with leadership, process improvement skills, and industry best practices. Financial literacy to analyze production costs and make data-driven decisions. Proficiency in Microsoft Suite. Familiarity with ISO standards and/or Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Commitment to safety and compliance initiatives. Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly preferred. You Will Benefit From: Competitive salary with management bonus eligibility, 401K with company match, profit sharing, health and life insurance, paid time off, employee discounts, tuition reimbursement and more. Monday - Friday schedule with occasional weekend work as needed. Continuous training and career growth opportunities. A diverse and inclusive culture that values different backgrounds and perspectives. The estimated base salary for this position ranges from $91,000 to $96,000 yearly, with additional management bonus eligibility. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications. Geographic differentials may also apply depending on the position’s location. There is no application deadline for this role; recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Join UniFirst for a rewarding career with opportunities for advancement and a supportive, diverse work environment. UniFirst is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws.

Keywords: UniFirst, Waukegan , Production Manager - UniFirst, Manufacturing , Melrose Park, Illinois