Production Manager
Job Description
Assembly Manager
Sterling Engineering LaGrange, Illinois, United States (On-site)Production Manager (Build-to-Order Equipment) – No OT, Strong Work-Life Balance
? La Grange, IL
? $70K–$100K (based on experience)
If you’re looking for a hands-on leadership role without the chaos of high-speed production, this is worth a look.
This is a build-to-order environment, not an assembly line. You’ll be leading a team assembling custom industrial equipment—typically 6–9 machines at a time—in a shop that values quality, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead daily production for a team assembling industrial equipment
- Coordinate workflows, scheduling, and shop priorities
- Partner closely with engineering and leadership to keep builds on track
- Ensure quality, efficiency, and safety standards are met
What They’re Looking For
- 5–10 years of experience in:
- Machine building, industrial equipment, or custom assembly environments
- Prior leadership or supervisory experience (formal or informal)
- Degree, technical training, or equivalent hands-on experience
Food equipment experience is a plus, but not required.
Why This Role Stands Out
- No overtime – consistent 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM schedule
- Real work-life balance (rare in production roles)
- Supportive leadership – ownership is hands-off, not micromanaging
- Growth opportunity – stepping into a role with upward mobility
- Stable environment – not high-speed, high-pressure manufacturing
If you’ve been in a machine build or industrial assembly environment and want to step into a leadership role without sacrificing your personal time, this is a strong opportunity.
Meet Your Recruiter
Steve Stabley
Principal Recruiter
Steve Stabley is a Recruiter at Sterling Engineering with close to 30 years of technical recruiting experience, including more than 23 years with Sterling. Throughout his career, Steve has built deep expertise in the automation and manufacturing industries, helping clients identify and hire highly skilled engineering and technical talent.
Steve has successfully sourced and placed engineers and technicians with many of the leading automation companies throughout the greater Chicagoland area. His industry knowledge, long-standing relationships, and understanding of technical hiring needs allow him to connect qualified candidates with opportunities where they can make an immediate and lasting impact.