Production Manager

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Production Manager (Contract Screen Printing & DTF)

Huetone Imprints Inc

Elk Grove Village, IL

Full-Time | Start ASAP

Hourly Pay Range: $30.00 – $35.00 per hour plus Overtime (1.5x) during peak production periods.

(Pay rate depends on depth of technical screen-printing expertise, team leadership experience, and CMYK as well as ink formulation knowledge.)

Job Posting Description

About Us

Huetone Imprints Inc. was established in 2001, we are a premier contract screen printing and DTF (Direct-to-Film) facility located in Elk Grove Village, IL. Equipped with 3 automatic M&R presses (up to 14 colors) and full in-house art and screen preparation departments, we deliver top-tier decoration services under tight deadlines. We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Production Manager to lead our floor operations, elevate efficiency, and drive quality standards.

Position Overview

We need a proactive, hands-on Production Manager who leads from the front. You will oversee a dedicated team of 20 employees across screen preparation, press operation, quality control, and DTF department. This role requires deep technical screen-printing expertise, strong administrative and communication skills, and the versatility to step in on any station when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Floor Leadership & Team Management: Direct daily operations for a 20-person production crew. Keep the floor organized, safe, and motivated while resolving minor internal employee conflicts.
• Production Planning & Scheduling: Manage job tickets, daily scheduling, artwork flows, and workflow velocity to consistently hit tight delivery deadlines.
• Cost & Budget Control: Track production metrics to keep labor and consumable supplies (inks, chemicals, mesh, packaging) strictly within budget.
• Technical Quality Control: Manage complex setups including CMYK Process and Simulated Process printing. Ensure precise registration, squeegee pressure, flash temps, and color matching.
• Ink & Chemistry Mastery: Expert knowledge of all industry ink systems, including Plastisol, Water-based, Discharge, Silicone , and specialty additives.
• Hands-On Backup: Serve as the ultimate shop backup. Ready to jump on an automatic press, step into screen reclaim/exposure, or assist in receiving if a team member is absent or running late.
• Training & Efficiency: Onboard and cross-train new and existing press operators and helpers to improve overall shop throughput and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Vendor & Client Communication: Professional written and verbal communication using MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) to coordinate job specs, purchase orders, and special requests with vendors and account leads.
• Schedule & Availability: Arrive 30 minutes prior to the shift start to prepare job setups for the day. Ability to work extended hours and evenings during peak production cycles.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in high-volume contract screen printing, with at least 2–3 years in a managerial or shop-lead role.
• Equipment Knowledge: Direct experience operating and troubleshooting M&R Automatic Presses (6, 8, and 14-color).
• Technical Skills: Mastery of screen mesh selection, tensioning, artwork approvals, film placement, ink mixing/matching, and DTF production workflows.
• Computer Proficiency: Skilled in MS Excel (scheduling, tracking), email management, and digital job ticket systems.
• Work Ethic: Strong leadership demeanor, punctual, reliable, and capable of enforcing shop policies and safety standards.
• Language: English proficiency required (bilingual English/Spanish is a strong plus).

Education: High School Diploma or GED required; Associate Degree or technical training in Graphic Arts, Print Management, or Industrial Operations is a plus.

What We Offer

• Competitive Hourly Pay: $30.00 to $35.00 per hour (based on experience), plus overtime pay.
• Health Benefits: Group Health Insurance coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Paid PTO & Paid Federal Holidays.
• Retirement Plan: Participation in the 'Illinois Secure Choice' (My Illinois Savings) state-run retirement savings program.
• Stability: Immediate, full-time employment with a stable company in business for 25+ years.

Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening.