Production Manager, Exits Division

Sargent Manufacturing is a market leader in commercial door hardware. The company's customer base includes commercial construction, institutional and industrial markets. Included in our product offerings are windstorm certified locks, hardwired and wireless access control devices, designer levers and antimicrobial hardware coating.

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations within our Exits Division. In this role, you will provide strategic and hands-on leadership to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable execution of production activities while driving a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will be a strong people leader with a proven ability to lead Kaizen events, resolve complex production challenges, improve operational performance, and consistently deliver products on time to meet customer expectations.

This position is based on site in New Haven, CT and reports directly to the Profit Center Manager, Exits.

• Lead all production operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives.
• Manage production scheduling and execution, ensuring customer commitments are met through consistent on-time delivery performance.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives by leading Kaizen events, implementing Lean manufacturing principles, and driving sustainable process improvements.
• Serve as the operational and technical leader for Exits manufacturing processes, providing expertise in process control, troubleshooting, and problem resolution.
• Drive production issues to timely resolution through root cause analysis, corrective actions, and cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams.
• Optimize equipment effectiveness, manufacturing workflows, and process documentation to improve productivity and reduce waste.
• Provide leadership and operational oversight for powder coating and polishing operations, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators including productivity, scrap, rework, throughput, equipment utilization, and on-time delivery.
• Develop, coach, and mentor production employees to strengthen team performance, accountability, and engagement.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence while ensuring compliance with customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and company standards.
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to implement corrective actions and preventive measures that improve operational reliability and customer satisfaction.

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading Kaizen events, Lean manufacturing initiatives, and continuous improvement programs.
• Proven success driving production issues to resolution through structured problem-solving methodologies, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, process control, and operational performance metrics.
• Experience managing production schedules and achieving on-time delivery targets in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams while balancing competing priorities and business objectives.
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on safety, customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

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