Production Manager - Small Batch: 1st Shift

Production Manager – Small Batch

The Production Manager – Small Batch is responsible for leading the manufacturing process of Small Batch towards meeting corporate objectives in such areas as productivity, employee health and safety, budgeting, cost containment, and quality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Organize and schedule Small Batch Department activities based on sales requirements, production capacity, and staffing needs, including oversight of UCC group activities.
• Maintain a five-day lead time for UCC products through effective production planning and coordination. Demonstrate a working knowledge of blending, quality control, and filling processes.
• Partner with the Production Manager and Director of Liquid Operations to control costs related to repairs, operating supplies, waste generation, labor, and other assigned operational expenses.
• Monitor and analyze critical departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as necessary to achieve performance goals.
• Train and onboard new operators in Small Batch manufacturing processes, procedures, and equipment operation.
• Coordinate and conduct ongoing employee training to support skill development, cross-training, and employee growth.
• Conduct and document required safety training to ensure compliance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Champion safety, housekeeping, and continuous improvement initiatives, communicating expectations and promoting employee engagement.
• Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with company specifications, customer requirements, and quality standards.
• Utilize the Business Operating System to accurately report production activities, material usage, inventory transactions, and other operational data.
• Coordinate and conduct departmental training programs, ensuring required regulatory, environmental, and compliance training remains current.
• Ensure team compliance with housekeeping, safety, and environmental standards while promoting and modeling safe work practices.
• Oversee the proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Enforce safety rules and safe work practices among all direct reports through coaching, corrective action, and additional training as needed. Stop, address, and report unsafe conditions or behaviors observed throughout the facility.
• Interview, hire, develop, discipline, and terminate employees in accordance with company policies and applicable employment laws.
• Maintain employee attendance and timekeeping records and ensure accurate payroll reporting.
• Conduct semi-annual performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development planning.
• Participate in internal and external audits to support compliance with ISO standards, quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements

• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience preferred.
• Three to five years of manufacturing experience required; experience in the chemical, coatings, paint, or related process manufacturing industry preferred.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Forklift certification or the ability to obtain certification preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing operations, production scheduling, inventory control, quality systems, and safety practices.
• Working knowledge of blending, filling, quality control, and related production processes preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach, develop, and hold employees accountable in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and time-management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook; experience with ERP systems and production reporting software preferred.
• Ability to analyze production data, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and…