Production Manager

Job Overview

Lead and manage high-performance, day-to-day production operations on the shop floor to consistently achieve world-class safety, quality, and on-time delivery at optimal cost. This hands‑on role drives operational excellence at the Gemba by stabilizing and standardizing processes, maximizing machine uptime, and relentlessly eliminating defects and waste.

• Provide hands‑on Gemba leadership, spending 60‑70% of time on the shop floor to identify bottlenecks, safety hazards, and waste and to support teams in meeting daily/weekly/monthly production goals.
• Plan, develop, and motivate a high‑performing team; hire, coach, and manage performance in line with ZEISS policies and core values.
• Ensure that line leads perform duties to build and develop teams.
• Ensure roles and responsibilities between operator and line leads are fulfilled.
• Implement and sustain Daily Management Systems, including visual boards, tiered accountability meetings, Lean techniques, and 6S standards to maintain an organized, disciplined workplace.
• Lead rapid problem solving through root cause analysis and Kaizen events, ensuring timely resolution of production issues and quality defects.
• Analyze production KPIs to reduce downtime, improve tact times, machine build times, and drive continuous improvements in throughput, quality, and cost (e.g., NQEs).
• Develop hands‑on training on Standard Work and maintain a training matrix for all shop floor employees.
• Ensure routing and build procedures are current and compliant with ISO and internal product requirements, maintaining robust processes for best‑in‑class product quality and coordinating timely implementation of engineering changes.
• Ensure all production equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and in good working order.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and ergonomic work environment; complete safety reports and provide training in accordance with OSHA and ZEISS standards.
• Lead escalation in a timely manner through the organization.
• Consistently model behaviors aligned with company values and perform other related duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field (two‑year technical degree acceptable with strong relevant experience).
• 7+ years of progressive experience in high‑volume, lean manufacturing (e.g., automotive, aerospace, medical, food & beverage), including 2+ years in a people leadership/management role.
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of Lean methodologies and Value Stream Mapping with proven implementation success.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing methods, assembly processes, and standard work; ability to read and interpret engineering drawings/blueprints.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems (SAP preferred; Oracle or similar acceptable) for production and inventory control.
• Ability to interpret PLC‑driven data and key production KPIs for decision‑making.
• Strong leadership, sound decision‑making, and the ability to grow and develop a high‑performing team.
• Proven track record managing via and driving measurable performance improvement.
• Strong shop‑floor credibility with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels—from operators to senior leadership—both orally and in writing.

The annual pay range for this position is $77,000 – $96,000 and is also eligible for a performance bonus.

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• 401(k) Matching
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Vacation and sick pay

Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an applicant’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).