Production Manager

Production Manager – 2nd Shift (6:00 PM – 4:00 AM)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead all manufacturing operations on the second shift. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this role serves as the senior operational leader during the evening shift and is responsible for driving production, safety, quality, equipment performance, and workforce engagement.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in custom manufacturing, job shop, engineer-to-order (ETO), or construction-related fabrication environments, where products vary by customer specifications and production is managed based on percentage of completion rather than repetitive high-volume manufacturing.

This position is best suited for an Operations Manager or Manufacturing Manager with experience leading fabrication, welding, and assembly operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all second-shift manufacturing operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and on-time production while meeting customer expectations.
• Provide leadership and direction to 2 Production Supervisors and approximately 30 manufacturing associates across fabrication, welding, assembly, and related production areas.
• Make independent operational decisions regarding production priorities, equipment utilization, maintenance coordination, staffing, and workflow throughout the shift.
• Coordinate manpower, materials, equipment, and production schedules to maximize throughput while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Drive a strong safety culture through daily safety meetings, hazard recognition, incident prevention, and compliance with OSHA and company safety policies.
• Partner with Quality to ensure first-pass yield, minimize scrap and rework, and maintain compliance with customer specifications.
• Collaborate with Maintenance to prioritize equipment repairs, improve equipment uptime, and minimize production downtime.
• Monitor production performance using key metrics such as schedule attainment, labor productivity, equipment efficiency, and overall operational performance.
• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving activities to quickly resolve production issues and eliminate recurring problems.
• Promote Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, workflow optimization, waste reduction, and cost savings.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings to communicate production goals, safety expectations, quality objectives, and operational priorities.
• Coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and production employees while fostering accountability, teamwork, and employee engagement.
• Maintain organized, efficient, and compliant production areas in accordance with company and environmental standards.
• Participate in workforce planning, budgeting, and operational improvement initiatives to support long-term plant objectives.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience.
• 12+ years of progressive manufacturing experience with increasing leadership responsibilities.
• Experience managing fabrication, welding, assembly, or heavy manufacturing operations.
• Previous experience leading an entire production shift or manufacturing operation with responsibility for production, safety, quality, and maintenance coordination.
• Proven experience managing supervisors and large production teams.
• Strong understanding of job shop, engineer-to-order (ETO), make-to-order, or custom manufacturing environments where products vary by customer requirements.
• Experience in construction-related manufacturing, structural steel, industrial equipment, heavy fabrication, custom machinery, trailers, modular construction, or similar industries strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, 5S, root cause analysis, and production planning.
• Familiarity with OSHA regulations, quality systems, and manufacturing best practices.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret production data and drive operational improvements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing/ERP systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.

Key Performance Indicators

• Safety Incident Rate
• Schedule Adherence
• On-Time Delivery
• First-Pass Yield
• Scrap and Rework Reduction
• Equipment Uptime
• Labor Productivity
• Training Completion and Employee Development