Production Manager

Take the lead in transforming high-impact customer projects into streamlined, efficient operations. As a Production Manager, you’ll oversee all aspects of production execution for assigned projects - driving safety, quality, on-time delivery, and cost efficiency in a Lean Manufacturing environment. This hands-on leadership role is pivotal in shaping strategy, mentoring teams, managing KPIs, and collaborating cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Project Management to ensure seamless execution and continuous improvement.

This position is ideal for a production leader with extensive manufacturing experience, a strong command of Lean principles, and a results-driven mindset. With a clear path for leadership development and access to cross-disciplinary collaboration, you’ll have the opportunity to influence outcomes, drive operational excellence, and build lasting internal and external partnerships. If you’re passionate about leading people, improving processes, and delivering high-performance results, this is a role where you can make a lasting impact.

RK Company Overview

As a second-generation, family-owned enterprise, RK Industries, LLC (RK) offers a diverse range of construction, manufacturing, advanced fabrication and building services. Led by Rick and Jon Kinning, RK represents seven distinct lines of business that work together to provide seamless project collaboration. Our exclusive building methodologies, accredited safety standards and professional execution allow us to turn our customers’ greatest concepts into reality.

Position Summary

The production Manager provides hands-on management, development, and oversight of all production operations related to an assigned project. This role is responsible for transitioning customer projects into a high-performing Lean Manufacturing environment while ensuring safety, quality, on time delivery, and production efficiency that consistently exceeds customer and business expectations.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide overall management for an assigned project, including achieving performance metrics for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Drive the application of Lean Manufacturing tools and concepts to achieve measurable and sustainable improvements to an assigned project.
• Develop and execute project strategy, production schedules, and resource plans aligned with production bid hours.
• Lead, mentor, and grow production team members to build a high performing, and engaged workforce.
• Monitor and report on key operational KPIs (e.g., safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost).
• Oversee assigned manufacturing personnel, ensuring alignment, engagement, development, and retention of talent.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence consistent with RK Mission Critical values.
• Identify opportunities for process efficiency and waste reduction.
• Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Project Management, and other departments to drive alignment and seamless execution of projects.
• Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with internal teams, customers, suppliers, and vendors, turning them into long-term partners and advocates.
• Accountable for all aspects of an assigned project, including processes, procedures, equipment, and execution strategies.
• Coordinate with the Plant Manager to provide strategic and tactical input on manufacturing support and execution.
• Participate in project production hour estimating, designed for manufacturability reviews, and risk assessments for project pursuits.
• Develop and implement manufacturing processes, including hazard analysis, safety procedures, and team member skill assessments.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor‘s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience considered.
• 10+ years of manufacturing management operations experience, with 5+ years in a supervisory role.
• Minimum 2 years of Lean Manufacturing experience is beneficial.
• Proven leadership competencies with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability…