Manager, Manufacturing

Job Description

As Saab, Inc. is getting ready to begin our manufacturing operation in Grayling, MI we are seeking a Manufacturing Production Manager. This person will lead the Manufacturing Production Team and support manufacturing operations on-site at the Grayling, MI location. The Manufacturing Production Manager will be responsible for all the technical production work for assembly, installation and testing from receipt of components to shipment of final product.

The function is also accountable for manufacturing production development, instilling best practices in manufacturing techniques, and qualification of new products based on both Saab and customer requirements.

The Manufacturing Production Manager will be an integral link between manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, facilities, safety, and the quality team in our facility in Grayling, MI.

• Attract and retain the production staff to achieve strategic business objectives and operating goals. This includes management of the appropriate distribution of skills and capacity across the organization, and continuously monitoring and reconciling head counts with the operating budget.
• Lead, inspire and engage a diverse team to achieve delivery of distinctively high-quality products; to include performance, reliability, cost and on-time delivery.
• Assist and guide with workflows, prioritization, procedures, training, support, safety, process improvement, and quality.
• Engage with manufacturing senior leadership to ensure production efforts are supported.
• Drive continuous improvement for efficient production.
• Champion the Company values, consistently demonstrating – Trust, Drive, Expertise, and Support.

$132,000 – $171,600

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical field required.
• Master’s degree in business, engineering, or related discipline is preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience within manufacturing or operations, demonstrating a proven track record of driving performance improvements, achieving operational excellence, and executing strategies that deliver sustainable growth.
• 5+ years of experience in munitions manufacturing/assembly, ammunition production or energetics.

• Demonstrated ability to develop, revise, and implement Manufacturing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions to ensure repeatability and compliance.
• Proven ability to forecast and manage resource requirements (labor, capital, equipment, and materials) to meet program cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
• Ability to define, implement, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC).
• Strong background implementing Lean tools (Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Standard Work, 6S, Visual Management, Kanban, Root Cause Corrective Action).
• Strong problem‑solving capability using structured methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% in support of program execution, customer engagements, and business development activities.
• Working experience in a matrix organization.
• Capable of obtaining a Secret‑level security clearance.

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug‑free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre‑employment drug screen.

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays.
• 401(k) with employer contributions.
• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance.
• Wellness and employee assistance resources.
• Employee stock purchase opportunities.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.

Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.

Saab is an affirmative action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.